Submerged in a Sea of Awareness: The Power of Art and Action
By Angela Ng
Ever since I learned to scuba dive last year, I've been utterly obsessed. Being a lifelong lover of animals, and with my history of fostering dogs, my affection for creatures extends both on land and under the sea. My very first dive wasn't just about discovery; on that dive, our shop had to rescue a turtle entangled in ropes. I was hopelessly watching as more experienced divers took out their dive knives and fought against time to free that turtle. It was a stark reminder of the state our oceans are in.
Every dive I've undertaken since has been both breathtaking and heartbreaking. I've seen the most beautiful things in the world, swam amongst schools of fish, witnessed mantas dance, and eels hunt. However, I've also witnessed coral bleachings, seen trash scattered among marine life, and felt a pang in my heart at the sight of dead sharks. I've also become painfully aware of the effects of our warming climate, seeing turtle populations declining as the heated sands change their gender ratios and the news of no baby penguins surviving last spring.
In the midst of this, an image caught my eye: a photoshopped picture of goats scuba diving. It was whimsical, sure, but it sparked an idea. What if I used the power of imagery to convey our marine crisis? I began to envision photoshopped images of various animals clutching onto their masks and oxygen, amidst a backdrop of trash. This wasn’t just art; it was a chilling preview of the sea's potential future if we don't act.
When an opportunity to support Eco.Logic Programs came up this year, everything fell into place. This education, arts, and community-building non-profit resonates with my passions, driving people to face climate change head-on. Armed with my new concept and driven by my diving experiences, I crafted "Submerged: A Desperate Dive" for their online auction. Each piece, while visually stunning, serves as a vivid call to action.
Art, for me, isn't just about expression; it’s a catalyst. A tool to not only celebrate nature's wonders but to galvanize us into action. My journey with MidJourney to shape these visuals was rewarding in itself, and now they're up for you to see and support. You can explore the collection on their online gallery and silent auction, open till September 30th here.
Together, art and awareness can pave the way to change. Dive in with me and see for yourself.
