“What Gives Me Hope” (2023)
Humanity gives me hope.
During my year of independent climate research, I lived in eight countries and relied on the kindness of strangers. I sought to understand how art and storytelling can be tools for climate action, and over 350 people went out of their way to help me find answers.
They taught me how to weave baskets, harvest kelp, run sustainable fashion shows, cook klepon, perform theatre skits, and so much more. They showed me their world, their work, their beliefs, and their passions. They shared their hopes, fears, and aspirations for the future, and invited me to join them in collective organizing, mural projects, at conferences, and on voyages. They are activists, academics, artists, CEOs, students, government officials and leaders, and they are all tackling climate and environmental degradation in their communities.
I’m not sure what the future holds, but I know now that there are millions of engaged global citizens fighting for their communities, for climate action, and for the planet. There’s a whole world of people who care, and that’s what gives me hope.
Look closely, and you might be able to identify Chile, Zambia, Aotearoa NZ, Taiwan, Rapa Nui Easter Island, Indonesia, Iceland, the UK, the US and Svalbard, Norway. Each branch is someone, or a group of people, who shared their world with me. The nodes are the connections that stemmed from those interactions.
This tapestry was made from repurposed linen fabric and hand dyed with turmeric and bleach.
It will be featured in climate communications agency, Time For Better, at their Hope House during COP28 in Dubai from November 30th to December 12th 2023.
“What Gives Me Hope” at COP28 in Dubai