Earth

i am
EARTH
i feel water, wind & sky
i move with all
slowly turning
into
the unknown

My print is a reflection on the earth’s fragility. Our expectation is that it (and humankind) is timeless but is it? Are its bodies of water inexhaustible? Or will they overwhelm civilizations and many of the other life forms on our blue planet? I have tried to convey how intimately the future of the human race is tied to that of our home, the earth. We have cast long shadows over the earth in mining its riches, harvesting its forests, and “developing” it by erecting buildings and extensive networks of highways. Its future is uncertain in the context of our current relationship. Hopefully, if we treat it with reverence and respect, we can arrest climate change and soften the impact of our lives on the earth’s vulnerable ecosystems.

I devoted considerable time in exploring how to create this printed image. Originally I envisioned using multiple plates in order to layer different colors of ink. I finally arrived at this dramatic image using a single plate. It sounds simple but the polyester plate lithography process demands patience and focus as the artist deals with the resistance of oil and water, her technique of sponging excess ink from the plate, and other factors at the intersection of science and art. I learned technical aspects of the process while engaging in a dialog with the work itself that taught me to slow down, to combine focus with “flow,” and that simplicity and strength can make a lasting impression.

RUTH A B CLEGG