Challenge:
In my "Sustainability Communication" class at Royal Roads University, I was tasked with creating an arts-based research project centered around effectively communicating the threat of forest fires, aiming to translate complex scientific information into emotive visual media.
Approach:
Instead of relying on conventional imagery of threatened animals in a wildfire, I opted for what could be interpreted as strong, evocative imagery to potentially convey the emotional weight of the issue.I explored the concept of personifying Mother Nature (Gaia), hypothesizing that visualizing her perceived pain might foster a deeper understanding of the environmental impact of wildfires.
To achieve this, I fused imagery representing Gaia with wildfire visuals in a series of posters, employing visual juxtaposition, layering techniques, within Adobe Photoshop, to evoke emotional response and illustrate our interconnectedness with the environment.
Result:
The resulting images aimed to depict a contrast between the current state of the Earth, marked by forest fires, and a potentially healthier, more harmonious state.
The expression attributed to Mother Nature (Gaia) in the posters suggests a sense of solemnity and mourning.
The project resonated strongly with my classmates, who described the imagery as 'gorgeous,' 'fantastic,' and 'incredible.' They noted the project's emotional power and artistic merit, specifically highlighting the effective use of contrast .
Where the left side offers an idealized vision of verdant growth, the right side's fiery skies suggest a potential path of environmental decline. The expecting Mother Earth figure, positioned between these realms, conveys a sense of solemnity.
The delicate profile and hint of a bowed head in Mother Earth's figure convey a sense of fragility and vulnerability, symbolizing the vulnerability of both humanity and the environment. The left side depicts the Earth's beauty, juxtaposed with contrasting imagery on the right.