Pink Sky, Jo-Ann Sanbornacrylic on board, 5"x7"
The magical, mystical Everglades have offered me unlimited inspiration. The light is so special here, and consistently putting on a show and I love the bold forms against the sky. I'm never at a loss for what to paint--I only have to take a ride and within twenty miles can be in this vast wilderness.
In addition to loving what I paint, I hope in some small way to bring attention to this threatened landscape and ecosystem. It's been brutalized to near extinction several times, with vast bird kill-offs at the turn of the nineteenth century followed by extreme logging. Now chemical wastes are taking a toll.
Earlier this year the Miccosukee Indians and the Friends of the Everglades filed a lawsuit in their efforts to battle for clean-up relief. The result is that the EPA has told the State that clean water standards are not being achieved, and that there would need to be a significant increase in the marsh treatment areas that are used to reduce phosphate levels before the runoff water water is released into the Everglades. Florida is charged with amending permits, and if the State doesn't act, they can be held in contempt of court.
Another court hearing will be held in October. Let's hope the Everglades have a chance.
No comments:
Post a Comment