Blanketed by Nature

Theme: Are humans the protectors of nature, or those who are healed by it?

Right next to my high school flows the Hackensack River. Although it appears calm on the surface, it has been designated as a Superfund site by the EPA due to severe contamination. Nature offers us comfort and healing, and because of this, we have an even greater responsibility to protect it.

Nature is not simply a landscape; it continuously sustains and cares for us in ways we often overlook. It provides essential resources such as food, air, and water, while also supporting our mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress and fostering a sense of peace.

In this work, I visually express nature’s protective and healing role by depicting mountains and rivers embracing the human figure like a blanket. I chose acrylic paint as my medium because it allows me to blend colors fluidly and capture fine details such as flowers, ocean waves, and fractures within the mountains.

Through this process, I reflected on how deeply interconnected we are with nature. As I painted, I imagined a personal space where nature and I coexist in harmony. With this piece, I hope viewers will recognize how quietly and consistently nature supports us, and reflect on the importance of caring for it in return.

If we wish to continue receiving nature’s protection, we can no longer wait. It is time for us to take action.