"Tortoise Medicine"

The desert tortoise is one of 12 reptiles threatened by global warming, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. They were once as numerous as 1,000 torts per square mile in the Mojave Desert. Loss of habitat and raven predation are immediate threats but biologist believe global warming/climate change could add disease, fire, predation & new habitat threats.

This is my piece I submitted to the Climate Change and the California Desert art contest/show. My first time doing this, I am excited and nervous—the other submissions are incredibly wonderful, artistic, beautiful. But I’m very excited to be a part of something so environmentally important, as an artist! A big step for me.

The original piece I had planned on submitting exceded the size limit—it felt like the perfect fit, but once I received the details for entries I realized it was going to be too big, and scaling down wasn’t an option. I was crushed! After a loving pep talk from my hubby, I thought, maybe I’m supposed to submit something else? I decided to go for it again, and try to get another piece in on time—crazy!!! Forcing myself to take this opportunity under a deadline was a source of inspiration in itself, and the entire process evolved into “Tortoise Medicine” which was born exactly when it was meant to be, as my grandma told me. It was fun to create something in direct response to the guidelines, as far as the theme; as I worked on it, the concept morphed and soon evolved into many layers of climate change-related symbology for me. Such fun!

I am told our works will be on exhibit intermixed with the Hi-Desert Nature Museum’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle art exhibit. I can’t wait to visit it, the chance to see my art in a place I love and in the company of other found artists. Pretty cool experience already! (Despite the nerves LOL) I will be sure to update, “win or lose” although it’s already a win for me that I finally jumped in as a full-fledge artist :)

If you’re a Coachella Valley/High Desert local, go to this event! The show runs through April 24, 2010. It’s a lot of fun, very inspiring!

MATERIALS:

Found bike wheel; found auto parts/washers (embedded in hatchlings); found toaster oven knob; scrap wire; quartz crystal, can lids; stone beads; clay; acrylic

UPDATE: I am thrilled to report that I received an Honorable Mention! There were 21 amazing artists who participated, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cash awards, and 3 HM's! I also got to meet some wonderful new friends and can't wait to be a part of other events likes this!