Why Wetlands Matter
It’s no secret I am passionate about protecting the environment, particularly the one I live in, the Coastal Wetlands of the Lowcountry. I decided to paint a series on this topic in order to allow one to slow down and really take in the beauty and the function of our quickly disappearing environment and all that it does to serve and protect its people and creatures alike. In today’s blog post, I give a quick meaning behind several paintings in the series. Won’t you come along and join me?
For me, the wetlands is not just about beauty. It was created as a protector and a buffer against storms. The wetlands act as natural sponges that trap precipitation and slowly release it. This action prevents floods and reduces erosion. It’s estimated that in 2012 when Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast of the US, it was the coastal wetlands that saved $625 million in direct flood damages.* Coastal wetlands currently provide the US 23.2 billion a year in storm protection services. It’s no wonder that the piece below is titled, The Things We Take For Granted. Everyday, there’s a force working for our good. Our wetlands want to protect us. . . but will we let them?
This second piece here is called, “The Perfect View.” This 24x30 acrylic on canvas embodies the beauty of the marsh and the enjoyment that it provides to its viewer. The day I was inspired to paint this scene was a day I sat by this water for nearly an hour, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells. After being really still and quiet for a while, it was as though the animals didn’t seem to notice me. Looking out across this marsh, I saw two bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, herons, and wood storks. I am regularly astonished by the gift that nature is for us. Not only does it benefit and protect us, it adds stunning landscape to the environment. I guess if the wetlands were a person, they would be a lady because not only is she a fierce fighter for creation, but she looks darn good while doing it.
A Perfect View
Acrylic on canvas
24x30 inches
*Sold
Ok, can we talk about how crucial the coastal wetlands are for so many species? More than 1/3 of threatened and endangered species of America live in the wetlands including the Whooping Crane, The Louisiana Black Bear, and the Florida Panther. The coastal wetlands habitats have been compared to coral reefs for their biodiversity. Take a look at this animals found in the coastal wetlands and see how many you recognize:
How many did you recognize? This list could go on and on which is the reason I named this next painting, “The Refuge.” As mentioned earlier, it’s already a refuge from the storm, but also for the many species that inhabit it.
The Refuge
Acrylic on canvas
16x20 inches
Comes in a black and gold floater frame
*Sold
What about you? What’s your refuge? Your “wetland” so to speak? For so many of us, our homes are our wetlands, a source of beauty and protection from the pressures and stresses of the world. One of the reasons I wanted to create these pieces was to create the same sanctuary these wetlands provide for us and its creatures outside inside our homes and spaces. Art can be such a powerful thing when we really let it move us. I hope you’ve felt a sense of peace from these pieces today and learned something new about our beautiful land and all that it offers us.
