FOFO: Fear of finding out
We all know that the world is changing and species are declining due to global warming caused by human activity. Many flower and insects species are now endangered or, in some cases, gone forever. One of the main contributing factors to climate change is the fossil fuel industry and a significant part of this is the production of plastic materials. Plastic products and packaging now litter our landscapes and waterways worldwide, and yet we still continue to purchase them and enable plastic to be produced on an irresponsible scale.
Ruth has always used nature as inspiration for her work, celebrating its beauty, abundance, longevity, coexistence and continuity of growth. With a heightened realisation of the effects of climate change on our environment and the decline in plant species and pollinators, her work has recently taken on a different meaning.
This exhibition not only highlights the decline in species, but also draws on the viewer to consider their own role in harmful changes to our shared planet. We live in an overpopulated planet where we produce and use too much ʻSTUFFʼ. Yes, we know we should reuse, repair and recycle (people have been ʻbanging on about itʼ long enough) but shouldnʼt we try to AVOID before anything else? Though some of us still litter with disregard, many of us do recycle, but even then where does the ʻstuffʼ go once it leaves our possession?
The title of this exhibition can be applied to many in our societies, at all levels. Those in government and industry are often blamed but we as individuals are also in a position to do more. All too often we keep our heads down and avoid the consequences of our daily choices and actions on the planet.
This is our FOFO… our fear of finding out.
Note from artist; I would like to add that I speak from no position of superiority. I have as many shortcomings as others and constantly try to change or look for a better alternative. I hope and ask that by visiting this exhibition you may consider what more you too could do to reduce our impact on our shared planet.
