Sunday, March 12, 2017

"No Silent Springs" (Rachel Carson)"






“But man is a part of nature, 
and his war against nature 
is inevitably a war against himself....”
― Rachel Carson



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. 



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.






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. 





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....




My Rachel Carson tribute hanging in the Resist show at our local Independent Media Center





RIP, Rachel Carson.  
Here's to no silent springs.



6 comments:

lyn5 said...

Your imagination is infinite, Patience. Love this one.

Patience said...

Thanks so much for reading, Lynette -- not all of my pieces are easy ones, often they give me frustration and trouble as I try to express in paint strikes what my mind is attempting to convey. But this one was a joy to paint from start to finish. In any case, thanks again so much for the kind comment, Lynette -- much appreciated...!

Patience said...

(And yeah, that would be paint strokes, not "strikes". Though sometimes if the painting's going badly enough I do feel like striking, lol ;-).).

Pelayan Keheningan said...

Spiritual connection is root of all healing,,If u find no heaven on earth, look deeper into your heart

There is no inner fire which is more dangerous than anger, there is no inner jewel which is more beautiful than patience.

www.bellofpeace gede prama org

Pelayan Keheningan said...

Spiritual connection is root of all healing,,If u find no heaven on earth, look deeper into your heart

There is no inner fire which is more dangerous than anger, there is no inner jewel which is more beautiful than patience.

www.bellofpeace gede prama org

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