ArtistAnd
Greta Thunberg

Why We Wanted to Paint Greta

We have always been inspired by the words and passion of the planet's youngest and most influential hero - Greta Thunberg.

Inspiring not only to her peers but also to her elders too. This girl shows us that if you believe in something and you have the drive to do it, go out there and make a change. Stand up for what you believe in, be fearless and brave, and sacrifice to do what you feel is right. Save our planet.

This painting was created to show a juxtaposition between two things; a need for resolution for the planet, and a non-negotiable approach that nature has thrown at us. We got what we wanted, the planet has stopped, but how much will we learn from this?

Greta was fighting for lower emissions and safer/ cleaner ways to live our lives as people, cities, and countries. Now, with Corona Virus dominating the world and forcing us all to stop, we have no choice but to hold off on flying, reduce our need to travel by car and to avoid polluting our rivers and lakes.

This respite is only temporary, and our planet has seen so many positive changes already but we should not see this as a fix, we should see this as an idea of change that can be sustainable. It is an opportunity to experience the wonders of nature and how quickly it can recover if we let it do so. The world can still function if we slow down, work from home, fly less, drive less, learn to cook with fresh foods rather than packaged goods. We can do it, and we are doing it. This experience for the planet is a luxury, and if we stay at home and support our country, we can help our people too.

But what will happen to our planet next? Will we be able to use what we have learned in order to improve and safeguard our future? Or will we see this as a set back as we hurry to continue living the luxurious life as we did and rush to 'normality' once more?

We painted Greta with a mask on her face because she represents two things, the protection of the earth, and the protection of the people. Can they co-exist, is it sustainable? With COVID-19, we are forced to stay in our homes and protect those we love, the vulnerable, and our key workers. We should not see this epidemic as a miracle from nature for nature, but a chance for the governments to see what is really important. Humans.

Nature gave us life, and nature can take it away. Nature is a powerful force, we need to protect our world and each other and make it our problem, not someone else's.

"I don't want you to be hopeful. I want you to Panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. I want you to act. I want you to act like you would in a crisis."

ArtistAndGreta Thunberg

Why We Wanted to Paint Greta

ArtistAnd
Greta Thunberg