Steve Pallrand's Pattern Inspiration
My creative process is rooted in a deep fascination with the unseen wonders of the natural world. It begins with the understanding that human perception is incredibly limited; we are only able to glimpse a small fraction of the Earth’s immense beauty. Beyond what we can see lies a vast, intricate world—whether it be the microscopic organisms or environments that are hostile to human life, such as the depths of the ocean. My work is driven by a desire to reveal these hidden elements, to bring to the surface their fragility, beauty, and the role they play in underpinning life as we know it. By deepening our understanding of these unseen aspects, I aim to foster a sense of connection and responsibility toward preserving the natural world.
The inspiration behind my subject matter often comes from personal experiences, and a notable one is my connection to the underwater world. I draw heavily from the breathtaking cinematography of My Octopus Teacher and my own experiences snorkeling and free diving in the kelp forests off the coast of California. The way the kelp sways gently in the currents feels like a graceful, rhythmic dance, and it evokes the sensation of flying through an ocean forest. My work attempts to replicate this experience of swimming among these kelp forests, hoping to convey the emotional weight of being immersed in such a surreal and tranquil environment. However, this awe is tinged with grief as I witness the rapid destruction of Northern California's kelp forests. The habitat, which sustains a diverse range of creatures, is being decimated, threatening the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Conservation efforts must begin by raising awareness about these threats, and I hope my work plays a role in drawing attention to them. https://news.ucsc.edu/2021/03/kelp-forests-norcal.html
One simple yet impactful way to help protect the ocean is to reduce our use of single-use plastics. These plastics not only litter our oceans but also break down into microplastics, which are harmful to both marine life and humans. Making small changes in daily habits can have a far-reaching effect. For instance, switching from single-use water bottles to reusable containers, or from plastic bags to totes, can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste. If we managed to live without plastic for thousands of years, we can certainly make these changes now. Additionally, choosing restaurants that use less plastic for takeout, such as those that package food in cardboard rather than plastic, can help cut down on the waste we generate. Interestingly, another way we can help the ocean on the West Coast is by eating more sea urchins. The overpopulation of sea urchins, which is exacerbated by rising ocean temperatures due to climate change, is contributing to the destruction of kelp forests. By consuming more of these urchins, we can help control their population and alleviate the pressure on the kelp ecosystem.
As for my current reading, I find myself drawn to works that deepen my understanding of the ocean and its challenges. War of the Whales by Joshua Horwitz is a riveting non-fiction account that sheds light on how activists and lawyers fought to stop harmful underwater detonations by the navy, which were devastating to whale populations. Similarly, Blue Machine by Helen Czerski offers a captivating exploration of ocean dynamics, providing both scientific insights and a sense of wonder about the forces that govern life beneath the waves.
Overall, my creative process is driven by a desire to reveal the hidden beauty of the natural world, particularly the ocean’s unseen ecosystems. My inspirations stem from both personal experiences and the urgent need for conservation, and I strive to raise awareness of these critical issues through my work. Additionally, small, tangible actions—such as reducing plastic use and altering our diets to include more sea urchins—can contribute to the preservation of our oceans. By reading and staying informed about ocean dynamics and environmental activism, I hope to further my ability to contribute meaningfully to the conservation of the underwater world.
Gift Guide 2024- Kelp Desing Products
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