Westby & Mercier
Life Force "created for Earth Day 2022", 2000
Ink, natural minerals, and gold leaf with three layers of museum varnish.
48 x 36"

About the work

In this piece, titled "Life Force," created for Earth Day 2022, I seek to capture the essence of our planet's resilience and vitality. The term "Life Force" embodies the energy and spirit inherent in all living beings, as well as the interconnectedness of ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.

Amidst the current and impending challenges facing our planet, from climate change to biodiversity loss, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the innate vitality of nature. Through vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, I aim to evoke a sense of awe and reverence for the intricate web of life that surrounds us.

As we commemorate Earth Day let us be reminded of the preciousness of our planet and the urgent need to protect and preserve its diverse ecosystems. May this artwork serve as a reminder of the resilience of nature and the collective responsibility we bear in safeguarding the Earth's precious "Life Force" for generations to come.

Bio

Chantal Westby, a French-American visual artist and strong ecologist, merges traditional Chinese painting with western abstract expressionism in her works. Initially employing Chinese ink and mixed media, she later expanded into large-scale sculptures to address her primary focus: the impact of global warming on Earth's species, including humans. Educated in design, Westby's intuitive compositions reflect her deep spiritual connection to nature and the cosmos. Her art serves as a language of communication, expressing her contemplation of fundamental questions about existence. Using a diverse palette of ink colors, natural pigments, gold, and silver leaves, she creates pieces that evoke peace and lightness juxtaposed with the weightiness of materials like wood, cement, and plaster. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Westby's imaginative exploration aims to raise awareness and provoke reflection on humanity's relationship with the environment.

www.chantalwestby.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chantalwestby_art/