Students tackle climate change through art
When Nelson Intermediate student Izakiel Pochon saw a poster for the How Dare You! Arts Expo+ , he knew he had to enter. I entered because I thought it would be a great learning experience. I know the world right now is going through this climate crisis, so its very current, and its good to do art on that subject, he said. Izakiel, 12, is one of dozens of kids entering works to the expo, hoping to get their point across about how they feel when it comes to climate change. It doesnt hurt that there are several $50 cash prizes and vouchers up for grabs. READ MORE: * The last heretic Lloyd Geering, now 103, has a message of support for the fight for the climate * Muddy tea to help the planet * With no leadership or road map, will climate solutions come when it's too late? Izakiel has finished his first entry to the expo and is in the planning stages of another. Reminiscent of Georges Melies iconic scene of a rocket lodged in the eye of the man in the moon, Izakiels offering is of the Earth, impaled on a plastic bottle. What inspired him to create such an arresting piece of art? I got the idea from how much plastic there is in the world, he said. Plastic is forever. Its harming animals and humans, its going into the diet, the air, the ocean....everywhere. Climate change is close to home for Izakiel and his family. His mother, originally from Guam is keenly aware of the implications of sea level rise for islands in the Pacific. Pacific islands are going to start disappearing off the map. They are already having problems because the sea is rising, he said. Izakiel thinks theres heaps of stuff we can all do to help. People should cycle to work if their workplace is close enough. You can buy local veggies that arent wrapped in plastic and grow them in your own garden. Izakiel learns about climate change in school. But then I look at the label on my school uniform, and its 100 per cent polyester! Maybe our uniforms should be made from something organic, or maybe we dont need a uniform at all. Izakiel said the arts expo was a great idea, because art was a good way of communicating ideas to other people. I really like the name too....How Dare You! - its saying that we should all do something. We shouldnt leave it up to someone else. Izakiel hopes to enter two pieces to the expo and is working hard on perfecting his style. I really like Manga but its hard to get the proportions correct. Im working on that right now. The How Dare You! Arts Expo+ runs December 11-12 at the Founders Park Energy Centre. To enter visit nelsontasmanclimateforum.org Entries close on December 6.