EMERGENCE

As the impacts of climate change move into the forefront of everyone’s minds, governments at all levels are slowly taking note, with some Canadian provinces implementing bans on most single-use plastic bags. While this piece is specific to the use of plastic shopping bags, it represents humankind emerging from their dependence on all single-use plastics.

The painting (on canvas about to be thrown out from a Costco) is done in acrylic, and plastic bags (a garbage bag and bags from several local grocery stores) were ironed on to create texture and movement in the lower part of the piece. This dissipates as the woman is about to reach the surface. As she is about to break through the water, she is also breaking away from the plastic bags.

Halifax-based visual artist and designer Kerry Hodgson (kerryhodgson.com) is a frequent contributor to Canadian Geographic. She creates engaging visuals using traditional and digital media and has worked on campaigns for the federal government, the Ottawa Senators and York Region Transit, among others.