Join us on our journey toward a sustainable life and art practices
Never underestimate the power of a conversation
In the last episode, I shared the changes made and actions taken over the last 2.5 years to move us toward having more sustainable, carbon neutral art practices and a life here in beautiful west wales.
One of the most important things we can all do in the face of climate change is to open a conversation. Nothing contentious, just authentic conversation. This can be one of the most powerful things we do, and something we learned over the last year.
In the same way that Simon Gaiger's sculpture Trim Tab – Sea Change helped us reframe our actions. Art often provides an avenue for conversation and collaboration.
In March 2023, Neil and I spent a lovely spring day at the Project Seagrass nursey at Laugharne with the brilliant Emily Yates (Nursery lead). We were familiar with seagrass /Eelgrass – but were surprised by its climate change superpowers and all the efforts going in to restore seagrass meadows around the UK and globally.
We were so inspired after our visit that we made a series of work based on seagrass, using re-melted waste glass. We hoped to use the work to raise awareness of the importance of this often overlooked plant and ally in the mitigation of climate change.
Later that year, we spoke to a great supporter of our work and gallery owner, Rachel Bebb about seagrass, our sustainability efforts and the new series of work. She loved the ideas behind the work and took it to a place we could only imagine.
Over the next 7 months, she worked tirelessly to organise an event (exhibition and talk) about seagrass for World Ocean Day (8 June 2024). She organised patrons, other artists and speakers such as the Senior Specialist, Marine Conservation, for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the Chair of the Environment agency and us. We were thrilled.
The event was sold out with more than 50 people attending, eager to hear and all surprised by the importance of seagrass.
The effect of this has been amazing. New volunteers and donations to Seagrass restoration projects, raised awareness of the importance of seagrass in the wider community and the UK Government via the environment agency. Even a water colour portrait of one of our seagrass pieces!
All beneficial to the mitigation of climate change via the restoration of seagrass meadows.
This is a testament to Rachel's commitment and the participation and passion of all involved.
You can read more about the event in her blog post : World Ocean Day event - a sold-out success!
It is a perfect example of the ripple effect of positive change - and all this happened, from a few pieces of blown glass and a conversation.
I still find it all rather mind blowing. It's a perfect illustration that positive change is about empowering others, creating ripples - opening conversations.
These are all things that we, as individuals, can all do. How exciting is that!
So go on - have a go. Volunteer, get passionate - start a conversation!
Many thanks to Rachel Bebb (@rachelbebbcontemporary) for all her support, to Simon Gaiger (@simongaiger4456) for introducing us to Trim-Tab, @neilwilkinglass for sharing this journey, @TEDXaberystwyth for the opportunity to share this story, and last but not least, to all of you for your support and encouragement. It's all greatly appreciated.
#seagrassrestoration #climatechange #art #creativepractice #contemporaryglass #contemporarysculpture #sustainableliving #marineconservation
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