Stefani McClanahan - 2021

Artist's Statement

Throughout this semester, I have been really struck by the stories and images shown in the documentaries we have watched. Where I am from, it is difficult to see many of the disruptions that have been occurring because of us. However, these videos put the reality right before my eyes.

I wanted to capture some of the emotions and thoughts that I felt while experiencing these films. My goal was to leave the reader with poignancy that they could dwell on and hopefully come to some of the same conclusions that I have.

Fish Out of Water

An ocean stretches out before me
Though no water in sight
Shark fins jut into the sky
Each one a wave cresting
And falling to the next
Jagged cuts dry
As they bask in the sun

They should be basking
On the reef
In the deep water
The fins should be gliding
Through the water, guiding
Through the currents
Not cut by rusty knives
Recklessly
Thoughtlessly
Greedily

My eyes strain to count
But it’s like counting grains of sand
Maybe it’s a beach, not an ocean
Before me
Fins as innumerable as the seashore
Yes.
It’s a beach being beaten
By the waves of extinction