Plastic Chowder?

Janet Scruggs

24 x 22 inches

2018

ARTIST STATEMENT

The issue of plastics causing harm to marine life and birds in our oceans has been widely publicized. But did you know you could be ingesting micro-plastics when you enjoy that bowl of clam chowder, steamed mussels or oysters? Researchers at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia have found that many shellfish farms are polluted by micro plastics. These can come from plastic that is breaking down (fibres from clothing, carpets and other textiles), plastics used in the industry itself, or microbeads that are used in personal care products. These micro-plastics are being ingested by shellfish and then we in turn consume them in clams and other shellfish. This growing concern inspired me to create a collage reflecting the breaking down of the plastic and how microbeads are becoming part of the clam food chain.

MATERIALS

Various fabric types including cotton, recycled unknown fiber, cheesecloth, flannel, felt, polyester and rayon thread, beads

GUIDE BY CELL NUMBER

To hear the artist speak about the artwork, call (703) 520-6404 and enter 2202 followed by the # sign.