Having been born and raised in Southern California, the ocean has always been a special place to me which I have cherished. As I grew older and took environmental science classes in high school and college, I learned the impacts that pollution has on our beaches. Ever since ocean pollution has been an issue that I have been very passionate about.
Our oceans are highly polluted by both point-source and non-point source pollutants. The point source pollutants mainly consist of chemical pollution, like oil and other toxins which are disposed of by large corporations, that are rarely held accountable. While these sources can be regulated and controlled through legislation, they often are not and the companies are rarely held responsible. Additionally, our oceans are highly polluted with non-point source pollutants which are much harder to regulate. These pollutants consist of single use plastics, chemicals and trash collected by city run off and other non regulated sources.
During my fall semester at NAU, I created this three piece series which addresses ocean pollution. Each image is a composite of three different photographs I took. The layers consist of a photograph of some type of pollutant, a window or door, and a photograph of a beach. I layered the images in a way which creates the appearance that you are looking at the beach through a pile of trash. I created my art pieces to show the audience the different types of pollution which threaten the ocean, and their repulsiveness. However, I also revealed the beauty of the beaches and California coastline. What I want my art pieces to communicate is that our beaches are being ruined by this trash and pollution and we need to do something to save them. If we take action, as needed, then our beaches can be beautiful and pristine as depicted. I hope that my project effectively communicates this message and are visually aesthetic.
Our oceans are highly polluted by both point-source and non-point source pollutants. The point source pollutants mainly consist of chemical pollution, like oil and other toxins which are disposed of by large corporations, that are rarely held accountable. While these sources can be regulated and controlled through legislation, they often are not and the companies are rarely held responsible. Additionally, our oceans are highly polluted with non-point source pollutants which are much harder to regulate. These pollutants consist of single use plastics, chemicals and trash collected by city run off and other non regulated sources.
During my fall semester at NAU, I created this three piece series which addresses ocean pollution. Each image is a composite of three different photographs I took. The layers consist of a photograph of some type of pollutant, a window or door, and a photograph of a beach. I layered the images in a way which creates the appearance that you are looking at the beach through a pile of trash. I created my art pieces to show the audience the different types of pollution which threaten the ocean, and their repulsiveness. However, I also revealed the beauty of the beaches and California coastline. What I want my art pieces to communicate is that our beaches are being ruined by this trash and pollution and we need to do something to save them. If we take action, as needed, then our beaches can be beautiful and pristine as depicted. I hope that my project effectively communicates this message and are visually aesthetic.
