Daniel Findlay - 2023

Artist's Statement

This piece is called Pathways. It seems that we have found ourselves at the crossroads to two drastically different futures. One where we take a step back to address our relationship with the environment. Where we work to protect and grow the wilderness we have left. The other future is one where we decide not to prioritize the health of the wild and our own kin. A world where we continue to chase development until suddenly we find a world in which there is no longer vibrant life. We have truly entered the Anthropocene, what environment we will have is up to us... but what future will we choose?

Growing up in Utah I always loved being outdoors. In the mountains, rivers, and forests is where I found connection to the world around me. I was inspired to make this piece after learning about our array of impacts. This, combined with my own personal study into the destruction of the Amazon Rainforest, prompted me to imagine what future the Amazon may face. I hope to work in the future to preserve wild places and work to show the global inequity that our systems have created.

I decided to make this piece as digital art. This allowed me flexibility with my piece and the ability to create a semi-mirrored image. This semi-mirror dramatically displays the stark differences of our potential futures. I also enjoyed the idea that what I created only consumed labor and energy, two resources that may be sustainable for all time.

"Pathways"