"Swimming in Trouble..." artist Dani Dennenberg
About the artist: I have a love for really getting to know myself and others, spending time with my companion animals, the art of conversation, my humble garden, vegan culinary adventures, biking and anything outdoors, and the latest adventure in the kitchen with my girlfriend...canning! Professionally, I am dedicated to bridging the worlds of academia, youth leadership and active engagement in the community through a field called Service-Learning.
$72.00
About this piece: My participation in the Great Willamette River Clean-Up cemented my commitment to reducing harm to planet earth and also acted as an impetus to use my voice for good. As we traversed through the river by kayak, we found objects ranging from broken glass to cigarette butts to a fishing line and hook. My heart sank with despair for the countless animals who silently suffer underneath the surface, and for the sheer enormity of the issue. Fortunately, that sense of sadness remains balanced by an equal dose of gratitude and relief that hundreds of Portlanders lended a hand that day to clean our river.
Upon putting this piece together, I was reminded of how well I work with a fire under my belly. I found just the right objects at just the right moments. Some are guilty pleasure purchases, some were gifts, some were found that day on the river. I hope they speak for themselves. Each one has a story.
I encourage you to speak up about plastic pollution if you feel moved after seeing this exhibit. I have provided stamped envelopes and stationary with my piece. All you have to do is find the issue that inspires you, address the envelope and send your letter to a congress person (perhaps you can advocate a pending house or senate bill pertaining to pollution), the president of a company (ask one of your favorite companies to use alternatives to plastic packaging) or to whomever you’d like to express your opinion.
- Size:
- 18″ x 12″
- Materials:
- Re-purposed canvasses, tempera and acrylic paints purchased from craigslist, tupperware lids, old credit and gift cards, bread tags, Field Roast label, bike light, portion of a motherboard, fishing hook, fishing line, plastic cup that I used as a water bowl for this piece, bag of peanuts from a Timber’s match, broken glass, packaging from a pair of soccer shin-guards, spoons and one mystery item.
