Habitats - Vicki Gunter - Sky Blues: Canary and Elephant Series, 2014

24 x 31 x 5", Clay, underglazes, stains, glazes, antique bailing wire, steel plasma cut plate, magnets

Sky Blues represents the air all life breathes, and a few of the endangered animals that live in the California skies: the CA Condor, Bay Checkerspot, Smith Blue and Monarch butterfly with bejeweled chrysalis. I was in awe of the Monarch chrysalis as a child. How does it paint that gold on there?

The cautionary yellow Canary alerts us of the Elephants in the room: Roundup® = less milkweed = fewer monarchs.  A lead bullet: Condors are dying from lead poisoning due to eating abandoned game.  But celebrate a bit! As of 2019, all ammunition must be 100% lead free in California. It’s still a problem so, if you are a hunter beware of your ammunition, please. 

Smokestacks represent air pollution from numerous sources, causing asthma in our children, especially those of color and lower incomes.  Yes, it’s a complicated puzzle. Will we choose a profit-driven-system of over-consumption or the awe of the Monarch chrysalis?