Erin Henry
Currently a sophomore at University of Maryland, Erin is studying Mathematics and Economics. She enjoys any and all outdoor activities and loves the National Parks, inspiring this project. She hopes to combine two passions of hers, art and the outdoors, to create a meaningful, informative, and successful project for her audience to enjoy.
Artist Statement
Question/Issue
In my project, I am asking myself, "how can I raise awareness towards environmental issues in the National Parks through art?" This is a topic that I am passionate about, as I have been able to experience the beauty of the National Parks and want to do my part to help them retain their beauty for future visitors.
History & Distinction
The National Parks Service has been established for over 100 years, providing beauty and escape for all those who visit. The NPS serves under the Department of the Interior as a protector of these sacred areas and acts as an informant to the general public on all things related to the parks. I hope to simplify some of their information in this project, making it easily accessible and understandable for my audience.
Approach
I spent a good amount of this time looking into the environmental issues in the National Parks and how to slow down these problems. I began this project hoping to focus on the use of soft pastels only. As time went on and my situation changed, I started to implement new mediums, such as acrylic paint and colored pencils. I then attempted to display some of the environmental issues in my art through contrasting mediums or colors. I wanted my audience to experience the beauty of the National Parks while also realizing the harm being done to them.
Audience
I am aiming my project towards people who enjoy the outdoors and want to make a difference. I believe that people like myself, who enjoy the outdoors, have the most power to make change by changing their habits when they experience the outdoors. I hope to reach this audience through the site and approaching local park visitor centers in hope of getting my work displayed.
Impact
Through my project, I hope to engage the audience in issues that I am passionate about and inspire them to make a change in the habits while enjoying the outdoors. Personally, I hope to create work that I am proud of, raise awareness towards these issues that I am presenting, and learn something along the way.
References
“Air Quality.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 7 Nov. 2019, www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/air-quality.htm.
“At a Park.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/subjects/climatechange/atapark.htm.
“Environmental Factors.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 4 Feb. 2015, www.nps.gov/grca/learn/nature/environmentalfactors.htm.
“Environmental Issues.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 8 Apr. 2020, www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/environmentalfactors.htm.
“Leave No Trace Seven Principles (U.S. National Park Service).” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm.
"Voices for the Colorado Plateau: An Intimate Expanse Exhibit." Grand Canyon Trust, 9 Aug. 2018, www.grandcanyontrust.org/artist-retreat.
Acknowledgements
I first wanted to thank Heather and Harold for their help and guidance on this project and throughout my time in Arts Scholars. I also owe thanks to my parents, who have fostered a love of the outdoors and the National Parks. Finally, I must thank the National Parks for their incredible, inspiring beauty.