My piece titled Nature’s Home is an environmental statement highlighting some of the natural treasures of the state of North Carolina. Growing up in Mexico, I used to spend a lot of time outdoors playing in the yard or exploring rural areas, going swimming in rivers, and helping my parents grow plants in our yard. My upbringing instilled a deep love and appreciation for the environment and our resources.
When I moved to North Carolina, I lived by the ocean in Wilmington, and I would admire the seabirds and coastal plants, such as the Venus flytraps and pitcher plants. I was fascinated by them and still am. Moving to Winston-Salem, for college, opened my eyes to new habitats that I had not explored before. I discovered new plants which have inspired my work since. One of those plants is the Carolina lily. The bright colors of these blooms are outstanding. No wonder it attracts so many butterflies! Birds and insects are a big part of the natural ecosystems that exist around us. They help spread seeds and pollen from plants and some also take part in the food chain to nourish larger predators. I’ve also included the cardinal and the dogwood which can be seen all over the state of North Carolina. The dogwoods adorn the streets in the spring. The cardinals’ red colors stand out against the white and grays of winter in Winston-Salem. In addition, all these natural elements offer us a beautiful sight and fill our world with moments of tranquility and peace as we enter nature. Seeing birds and insects flying around diverse flowers and plants adds whimsy to our daily lives.
Today the natural world is threatened by pollution, indifference, and destructive policies. I am an active member of multiple environmental organizations that are fighting against these forces in hopes of preserving the natural world and resources for us and for future generations. I’ve become very passionate about helping others see the natural world through my work. Some people forget about the beauty of the Earth when they are surrounded by buildings, cars, and an urban setting. This might lead them to be more careless about our natural environment. The natural elements included in my piece are representative of some of North Carolina’s resources. It will help to remind people of how beautiful nature is while at the same time bringing awareness to a world worth preserving.
Another aspect of my design is to create a soothing immersive experience for those waiting for the bus. I have a friend who has ridden the bus for years. She suffers from acute depression and anxiety and she tells me that her experience with the public transportation system has only worsened her condition. I have ridden the public bus myself several times and agree that it can be a stressful endeavor. Admiring my natural surroundings brings me peace and and sometimes this is hard to do when you’re surrounded by noisy cars. By placing vivid colors and beautiful motifs around the shelter, I want to help those who are waiting to relax and focus on a joyful sight.