A Pet Unlike Any Other: the Work of Vaughn Bell

Since the beginning of art nature has been an important part, whether as the main focus in landscapes or a pretty backdrop. Then in the '70's and '80's environmental concerns increased, which were reflected in some art.

Now in 2009 this call for environmental awareness has been changed into a cry for help with the dramatic declines we have seen and predicted disaster that will be our world.

Which brings us to Vaughn Bell.

Vaughn Bell is part of a movement to raise environmental awareness to the public. This picture shows one of his works called Personal Forest Floor (Portable Mountain). Very simply, each object consists of a base, which is filled with different soils and plants, four wheels, and a leash. These can be purchased and are meant to give the owner personal responsibility for their environment much like a pet.

This concept is interesting because it does poke a little fun at environmentalists but it also is meant to show people how each individual is responsible for the health of the Earth, not just certain groups or people. Unlike the other posts I've talked about, where the audience was vast, this piece tries to connect with the individual. I think it is more effective in this way because without that connection on a personal level, I mean by relating some grass to a pet, the average Joe is not going to change any habits in order to help the environment. Also, this technique really brings in a viewer because it is like the artist is trying to speak directly to you individually, whereas now it is about reaching as many people as you possibly can. In that sense this borrows from older art techniques where there was a more personal level between the artist and the viewer.

I chose this particular artist not because of the direct relation with our class but to remind myself (and maybe others) that yes technology is important and great but there are other things that need to be included, such as the future of our planet. It also gives a direction that maybe one would not normally think about including in their works.