Ozone
This work is inspired by the report by scientists this year that for the first time , as a direct result of us reducing our use of CFC ’ s and therefore emitting chlorine into the atmosphere , they have recorded a 20 % decrease in the size of the ozone hole .
When we first heard about the massive destruction in the ozone layer back in the 1980 ’ s , we were all encouraged to stop using aerosol spray cans . It took a conscious effort at first not to buy them , but as people changed their habits , the manufacturers were also forced to stop using CFC ’ s in their products .
And now , all these years later , from our direct action , we have actually made a difference . The hole is shrinking . We need the ozone layer to protect us from the sun ’ s harmful rays , to help prevent skin cancer and cataracts , and to stop harmful damage on plant life . It protects us on a cellular level .
We don ’ t often have good news about our impact on the environment so I wanted to celebrate the fact that we can , when we choose to , change our habits and reverse the damage we have caused .
This painting is a circle painted in dark indigo and blacks ; the ozone around the Earth blocking out the harmful rays . It is , at the same time , a single cell deep in our body benefitting from the closing hole as our protective shield heals .
I want my work to reflect the world around us , and our interaction with it . We can feel helpless in the face of climate change and environmental damage but I want this painting to offer the hope that we can and do turn things around when we realize that we have made mistakes and set about making amends .
It is a shock to know that modern living has caused such terrible destruction in such a short space of time but the healing of the ozone layer is the signal that we can each choose to shift the way , and what , we consume , and then how we dispose of our excesses .
Of course when you look at the painting this message isn ’ t banging you over the head . The beauty of abstract art is that it lets its ideas drift through you .
You can think more deeply about its meaning or you can enjoy the simple circle and the subtle colour changes at face value .
The dark colours offer the mystery and magic of our planet but can also be appreciated just for their quiet solidity . You don ’ t need to think about the ozone hole or environmental damage or climate change , but the message is there should you choose to pick it up .
Fundamentally this piece is about hope and healing on a global and cellular level .