Ripple in the Water
Ripple in the Water displays how small actions related to the use of petroleum-based products have compounded over time, resulting in large-scale environmental devastation that is challenging to address. The plastics and petrochemical industry play a crucial role in creating this problem as plastic, a material derived from petroleum, is widely used in packaging materials and single-use items. The demand for plastic has grown dramatically over the years, contributing to the increase in petroleum-based products. However, plastic is not biodegradable and breaks down into microplastics that can harm the environment and wildlife. Petroleum fuels also cause air pollution, climate change, and oil spills.
The Ripple in the Water sequence highlights how small actions related to the use of petroleum-based products can have far-reaching consequences. The consequences of these actions are often hidden, making them difficult to address. Therefore, the plastics and petrochemical industry's production and use of non-biodegradable plastics and petroleum fuels have contributed to significant environmental problems. As the sequence of packing tape image transfers progresses, the distance from the original transactions gets more heavily coated and thicker, further obfuscating the reasons why we operate within an oil dependent world.
Ripple in the Water, 2022
Polypropylene image transfers of a George W Stokes Oil Co. petroleum fuel receipts
9” x 5” each (12 total)