“But man is a part of nature,
and his war against nature
is inevitably a war against himself....”
―
Rachel Carson
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| My tribute to Rachel Carson and her book, 'Silent Spring' |
"No Silent Springs
(Rachel Carson)"
I recently watched the PBS 'American Experience episode' regarding the author and naturalist, Rachel Carson, about her life's work. While I knew a little about her background, the documentary went into great detail and was very educational. I learned much from watching it, and also found myself highly moved.
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| Oils on a 7x9 wood plaque |
In an era when Nature was seen as a
thing necessary for Mankind to dominate, exploit, intercept and control,
Rachel
Carson's message firmly challenged that prevailing Mid-Century notion.
While the attitudes of the time reflected a belief that humans were
somehow separate and apart
from the natural world, Carson argued instead that mankind is actually an
integral part of the
dynamism of Nature, and that our human activities potentially have
more far-reaching repercussions and impacts than we might even be
aware of. Her book, 'Silent Spring', specifically questioned the
widespread use of chemical pesticides, while calling attention to the
negative impacts such wholesale application had upon the environment and
animal life -- and ultimately, upon ourselves. 'Silent Spring' became a
best seller and brought much public awareness to the concept of
environmental conservation. Her influential writings and moving testimonies helped awaken
a global cause, and are generally credited with giving rise and advancement to
our modern environmental movement.
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| I was able to use a small wooden plaque purchased 2nd-hand from our local I.D.E.A. Store |
As such, when looking for a subject to paint for this month's EBSQ "Awakening" online exhibit, Rachel Carson came to mind immediately. Her influence awakened an entire generation. The title of the book, 'Silent Spring', refers to the scenario of an absence of song birds, as they perish en mass from heavy pesticide exposure. Robins in particular are susceptible to the effects of industrial chemicals and pesticides building up in the food chain -- so a robin seemed a likely symbol. There is also the matter of Rachel Carson having died relatively young (in her 50's) from aggressive breast cancer. As a survivor of breast cancer myself, I hated to learn about how she likely suffered in her illness. Oncology treatments were rudimentary at best back then, harsh and commonly ineffective, and doctors often patronizing. We'll never know if Rachel Carson's own cancer was in any way environmentally triggered. But what if is was...? Then somehow her message feels even all-the-more weighty to me.
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| On my easel in progress.... |
And so, while I'm entering this piece into the March EBSQ "Awareness" online art exhibit, I was also able to hang it in a local, themed art show this month, entitled "Resist". What comes to mind when you think of Resistance....? Rachel Carson did go on to experience a lot of negative fall-out from her writings and opinions -- many folks, including those in the farming industry and other corporate interests, looked to discredit her work and smear her reputation. They resisted her environmental message -- while she in turn intrepidly resisted their public pressure and attempts to keep her quiet.....
Here's a photo of my entry, "No Silent Springs (Rachel Carson)" hanging in the local "Resist" show....
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| My Rachel Carson tribute hanging in the Resist show at our local Independent Media Center |
RIP, Rachel Carson.
Here's to no silent springs.
