Responding to COP26

Inspired by Tearfund’s Wave of Hope challenge, I wanted to find a way to mark the COP26 conference in Glasgow artistically.

I decided to place hands I had cut out from a biodegradable plastic bag on different paintings and art experiments and post them on Instagram. The initial idea was to create the illusion of hands waving, but the hands soon took on a life of their own: A hand appears to grasp for our planet; two hands are groping for the light.

I do believe that art can reveal what is going on for us, especially when it is done quickly and intuitively.

Looking at the photos I have taken, I can make links with the events in the wider world. Yet whilst it is easy to point the finger at others and focus on what politicians or key decision-makers are doing or not doing, such a focus can paralyse me. I have no control and little influence over other people's behaviour.

The question is: How can I change my own attitude and let go of my grasp of things? I am aware that my studio is full of boxes with materials I have hoarded over many years. I keep telling myself that they will come in handy one day. The truth is that I do not even know what resources I have stored.

I am currently considering how I can put these resources to good use. I ultimately want my creative work to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.