The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, is the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference. This year it is scheduled to be held in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, between 31 October and 12 November 2021.
Q What is your professional background in the arts?
I am fashion + textile designer, working primarily with textile print and embroidery.
Q What inspired you to pursue a career as artist?
I have always enjoyed ‘doing’ and It was a gut instinct that I knew I wanted to pursue to a career that required a complex way of thinking. I have not come across anything else that I find more stimulating. It requires an ability to think deeper, look further, and explore things that are sometimes not yet tangible. I seem drawn to textiles as I find them so intriguing, and fashion just naturally became my chosen language!
Q When did you first become aware of the climate change crisis? Was there a specific event or person who highlighted this?
I remember it so clearly - my earliest memory of being aware of climate change was seeing the news as a child, documenting the melting ice caps, blaming ‘global warming.’ At the time I didn’t know what the term meant but I could already sense the threat it could impose. As a child, the idea that land was literally melting away was the scariest thought - yet no one seemed as concerned about it as I was? It was only as I grew older that I began to understand it’s context and the magnitude of the problem.
Q Tell us what the relationship between art and environmentalism means to you?
There is a well known saying that has stuck with me - “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” Art is a universal language that speaks to everyone - it is essential for growth of mindset and attitude. It is a tool when thoughts cannot be put into words, it is a medium of expression when we struggle to process emotions. Additionally, We can use it to initiate conversations about difficult subjects or issues that society doesn’t necessarily want to address. When Art is created to communicate important messages it inspires people to act and think differently, and actions always speak louder than words. Fashion in particular has such an influential role in society, and is a universal language in itself - we can learn so much through dress.
Q What is the role of art in climate change mitigation?
Art can speak to any one in the world, regardless of language, race, age, or educational Background, which is why it is so much more powerful than spoken word. When it is used to spread the message about the risks of climate change, it is so much more powerful - we can interact with it and understand so much more of its context and its purpose.
Q What is the greatest challenge facing the planet right now in your opinion?
The greatest challenge we face right now? We are rapidly losing touch with the natural world and becoming trapped in an online life, and the world is becoming so automated that seems impossible to break out of it. With services/goods available instantly and an endless supply of material goods, we lose sense of value and what is truly important. Western culture has grown from hedonism and the earth is suffering directly from it; it requires a shift in attitude that the world is not yet ready to address.
Q What progress have you seen – share a positive news story in regards to climate change action.
There are some major movements taking place place across the world right now that brings me hope. In fashion, I have seen a surge in thrift shopping, repurposed clothing and investing in quality pieces, and it is really refreshing to see. I just hope that it is an attitude change that is here to stay and not just people jumping on an internet trend that will soon be rendered obsolete by Instagram algorithms.
Q Who are your favourite Artist(s) who tackle themes of Climate Change?
I follow influential designers that work consciously and innovatively for the sake of our planet. I find Bethany Williams hugely inspiring - not only is she a Manx Designer finding success in the fashion industry which is an achievement on its own, but she is showing it is possible to build a successful business model with sustainability and equality at its core.
Q What message would you like to leave readers with in the wake of COP26?
No matter how small you think your impact is, we all have a part to play. Progress will come from small habitual changes that we consciously make; as a collective, we are capable of great things!
Q What is next for you?
Continue to source local, and be inspired by my home surroundings. And to practice Gratitude!
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