The Great Trash Reef

Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum announces “The Great Trash Reef ” an installation by San Antonio, TX-based artist Margaret Craig, from January 2 through February 15, 2015. An Opening Reception will take place Friday, February 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, and is open and free to the public.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work is derived from printmaking methods; mixed media with or without support, and prints stretched over forms using a technique I developed. My work is about the manipulation of form that transforms the idea; a recreation of multilayered process found in nature. A degree in biology informs my work. The process controls the work, each layer a response to the results of the last experiment. The outcome proves the hypothesis of what might happen, and leaves me open to surprising results. I create synthetic natural processes, think pond scum or the dry earth cracking, in the service of my own making. My art extends the process of human manipulation of natural influences. It concerns contemplation of the ways we affect the plants and animals around us, and, sometimes how they may affect us.

The Great Trash Reef speculates on the state of our oceans. There are giant islands of trash gathered by currents in the centers of our oceans. The predominant component is plastic. Tragically in some cases, as it breaks down animals eat it thinking it is food. But there are also water skating insects that use it as places to lay eggs and have grown in population. At the same time CO2 in the environment is causing less global warming then thought, as oceans absorb it. But this also acidifies the oceans and sea life cannot form shells from the traditional calcium. Perhaps it will use this new readily available ingredient?