Bleach

Stoneware

2018

This work is about the worrying decline of the world's coral reefs. They are slowly dying. They are becoming bleached due to many environmental factors, the biggest of which is climate change. What keeps coral healthy is its symbiotic relationship with the algae that live on it. When this relationship is disturbed, the algae leave their host coral, and their leaving is what causes the bleaching. Contrary to popular belief, the coral does not immediately die when the algae leaves and it becomes bleached. However, if the algae does not return very soon, it will die. This project is about the disturbance of this symbiotic relationship, and the subsequent death. Each of the colorful pieces represents healthy corals whose symbiotic relationship with the algae is balanced. The dull pieces represent the corals that are slowly dying due to the algae leaving. Coral reefs are extremely important because they are home to more than twenty five percent of marine life, even though they occupy less than one percent of the ocean floor. We really can't afford to lose more reefs. The goal of this piece is to get the viewer to think about how these wonderfully complex ecosystems are dying.  I received the Award for Excellence at Mary Washington's Annual Student Art Exhibition for this piece. To get into the exhibition, you have to submit your piece online and only around 20 pieces actually get in the show. Then all of the art faculty decides which eight pieces to give the Award for Excellence to.