Tailings 1 - Something's Happening Here

Inspired by images of earth from satellite, this large mica infused resin abstract artwork depicts landscape designs created by mining tailings. In my series "Earthbound", I have been exploring naturally occurring and man-made geological features all over the planet. It is fascinating to me to see the beauty in the patterns, colors, and dynamics of the zones I have focused in on. Some, like this zone, are the remains from mining processes. I find it interesting to explore the visual elements of the space and also to research what happened here. In instances influenced by human activity, I'd like to bring awareness to the impacts of toxic practices, in hopes of inspiring ways to manage these processes more thoughtfully going forward. We only have one Mother Earth.

Wikipedia excerpt: Environmental effects of mining can occur at local, regional, and global scales through direct and indirect mining practices. Mining can cause in erosion, sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, or the contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water by chemicals emitted from mining processes. These processes also affect the atmosphere through carbon emissions which contributes to climate change.[1] Some mining methods (lithium mining, phosphate mining, coal mining, mountaintop removal mining, and sand mining) may have such significant environmental and public health effects that mining companies in some countries are required to follow strict environmental and rehabilitation codes to ensure that the mined area returns to its original state.
Earthbound Series