Abstract

The endangered species project educates through the sentimentalization of the beauty vanishing from our natural world. Scientific journals and conservation outreaches connect with broad audiences, but dry scientific jargon often makes the information intimating. The mode of communication commonly used is often not captivating enough to secure the viewers’ attention. Art as a tool in activism acts as a visual transmission which communicates complex information in a simple, engaging, and memorable way. Art invokes a uniquely enticing presence, which not only builds intrigue but also seeds questions within the viewer: ideally what, how and why. This is what makes this project effective in bridging the gap between the scientific community and the general populace. The artist creates beautiful objects that aestheticizes endangered species as a more accessible and inviting platform for environmental education. Each piece produced reflects a high time commitment and a passion for the work, exemplified in the whimsically intricate detail which animate the sculpture. The thrown vessels are used as a canvas upon which sculptural and painterly techniques are used to document the essence of the at-risk biodiversity through an artistic lense. In order to “bring the animal to life”, vibrant colors and textures are layered to mimic the unique characteristics of each selected endangered species. By presenting this environmental issue of the ongoing Anthropocene extinction event by cultivating an appreciation for beauty, the conversations on conservation become more alluring.

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