Home, Sweet Forest

Image #1 Original: Strip Mining. The original image sighs...please help me. The pulse of the earth is weak and one can see clearly from the photo that vitality and life is non-existent. It hurts to look at this image---a huge gaping hole in the earth, barren and depleted.

Image #2: Remix. Home, Sweet Forest. The remixed image appears to sing a song of harmony with a vital, vibrant and life-sustaining forest and lake. Without strip-mining, we can preserve our natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations.

Source: National Geographics, December, 1970, Volume 138, P.777

Meg

The Greater Good

My family used to invite military personnel home for the holidays or would ask a person from a homeless shelter to dinner on the holidays. My dad was an epicurean chef who worked at various large restaurants in New York and Boston and his idea was to share what we had, that he was grateful he could provide for six children and his wife. The original image came from the National Geographic Magazine of the 1990's and shows the World Food Day Anniversary which was October 16th. The Food and Agriculture Organization was created in 1945 as part of the United Nations.

My remix shows how we can make a difference in the world, not by just offering people food, but by being part of the community and sharing your good fortune with others not quite so fortunate. My idea was to make a day (or days) throughout the year to provide food to others in your own community. By sharing what you have, the ties to the community grow stronger and you develop a greater sense of what is around you and connect to that energy.

Meg

Plan-t

Here I have remixed a beautifully photographed plant. The original looks life like. I was drawn to this picture in a magazine "give and take box" at the library. The pictures were so authentic and timeless that I did not realize it was from 1985!
In my remix, I have surrounded the plant with the remaining colors of the Earth. These three colors represent: water, dirt, and rock. The green is simply all the living things. The remixed version leaf veins are 3-D, I hope they pop! The bottom leaf was hard to give an equally remarkable effect. I thought recycled aluminum foil would create a real presence. Sadly, I was wrong.
Overall, the plant has a new sense of life. The veins produce color and the background encompasses our life necessities. Life keeps keeping on here.

Source: Unknown

Stephanie

The Marriage of Art & the Environment

I find it disturbing that the media is focused on depicting the marriages and romances of celebrities. This picture perpetuates the “fairy tale” notion of marriage and, in so doing, repeats and re-instills in our minds all of the gender, racial, class, and cultural stereotypes and inequalities learned through reading traditional Western fairytales like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. There needs to be more journalism and photography in the media that engages the public’s critical thinking skills so images like these are not taken for granted, and so these kinds of injustices do not continue to be seen as “normal” or “okay”. I have chosen to remix this image to show the “marriage” between the Arts and the Environment! If I had my way, I would have also remixed their outfits to be less mainstream Western cultural as well and/or I might have even depicted a same-sex marriage. For now, I have chosen to provide this image as a suggested alternative to be included in Women’s Day Magazine so that women who buy such magazines can fill their brains with alternative things so that our social and cultural “environment” will be much healthier

Source: Australian Women's Day Magazine, 2004.

Diem Dangers

House Well Worn

There is nothing wrong with this picture, nor the man in the picture. It took me a while, actually, to figure out what bothered me about this add so much. I assumed at first that my money-poor student heart was aching after an apartment of my own with swanky windows and shiny hardwood. I finally realized, however, that instead of being attracted to what this man had, I actually wanted nothing to do with him or his bright, spotless apartment. What was so off-putting was the complete absence of this man's life in his apartment. Where were the stories, the relationships, the history, evidence of interactions with and connections to the world? Where was the inevitable dirt that rides in on the shoes and under the fingernails of a house's vibrant characters?

Tired of waiting for our hero to venture out into the world, I brought the world in to him. I filled his sanitary, sterile, static hideout with songs, conversations, voices, smiles, earth, growth, and life. Now seated at a table full of food and companions, he may hate me for my invasive impertinence, but at least he will have to encounter the world to kick it out.

Source: Martha Stewart Living, [Advertisement for Anderson Windows and Doors], October 2007.

Grace

Peace not Pieces

I did a double take as I looked at this picture - Kids having fun swimming, and splashing in brown murky water... uh and a bombed out building for a backdrop?! "That's wrong" my brother commented as he picked up the picture, I nodded in complete agreement. This is what peace looks like in the Karrada district in Baghdad- using these horrible memory-ridden empty bomb holes for fun? What message is this giving to kids? Where is the hope when your playground is a graveyard for fallen victims and dangerous structures?

Using images from outside, scenic backdrops and natural materials. I constructed a more idyllic swimming hole for these kids to play. The crumbling building gave way to a rocky mountain range, and concrete ground to a sandy beach. Now they can be kids, without the pressure to face adult responsibilities too soon, or the negative images and memories from the past seeping into their subconscious. Give them room to be free! fly a kite, to be entertained by native birds and animals, to use their imagination for life, not dwelling on death. The alternative energy windmills in the back are signs of progression and awareness of conservation for the natural world- things that these children will lack as they reach adulthood without the appreciation for nature. The one thing that does show hope is their energy and smiles, by fostering these
children's needs their future and the worlds future may start progressing towards peace.

Source: Newsweek, [This is 'Peace.' Kids Swim in Bomb Crater], 28 July 2008. Photo by Wathiq Khuzaie, Getty Images.

-Kyle

For the birds!

The original image is a Hitchcockesque experience for the modern seagull. Tis true, seagulls are not the loveliest of fowl but this is no life for any living being. Swarming a landfill and digging for edible treasure these birds are packed in like humans in a highrise. In my altered version, I wanted to offer these birds the cuisine and lifestyle they deserve. Fish and crabs in a saltwater sauce with a side of seaweed, all with a lovely view to dine by. Now that is a respectable meal for a fellow scavenger. Welcome back....Jonathan Livingston Seagull!

Source: Artificial Nature, ed. Jeffrey Deitch and Dan Friedman, [Image of seagulls and landfill], Deste Foundation for Contemporary Art, New York, 1990.

Raye

John's 2nd re-mix

This is a commentary on the old "eat or be eaten" dilemma. We are both creatures great and small surrounded (in both the human-made and natural world) by other creatures great and small. We have endless drive to push, conquer, get faster, get richer and Get Smart. There is a price to pay for doing this. There is a price to pay for not doing it. The answer of course is more cowbell.

Source: Unknown

John

Hello Photosynthesis

This advertisement showing components of a meth lab is repulsive. Although it is for an art show, the message is still the same. There is a huge problem with meth labs around the country. Most are in neighborhoods with families and children playing right out front. The fumes are terrible and deadly, but you can't see them. It my remix, the meth lab components have been turned into flowers and water. They are outlined in yellow to represent the sun. The "fumes" you cannot see is the process of photosynthesis, which all things need to survive. In the background, are many things growing showing how wonderful the world would be if we would create gardens instead of meth labs.

Source: Modern Painters [Hello Meth Lab in the Sun], July-August 2008, p. 19.

Erin

Holding The Future In Our Hands

Original image from October 2007 dwell magazine

As human beings, our stewardship of the planet is shameful. We have reached a critical juncture and are literally holding the future in our hands. Our decisions have changed the environment, and even though Mother Nature will continue in some altered fashion, we will not survive ourselves. This remix is a reminder of life's beauty and our responsibility to care for what we have while living here. After all, we are only guests.

Source: Dwell Magazine, October 2007.

Kerri Schmidt

A Solution to the Pollution

The first time I saw the image of the polluted air and stream, my first reaction was complete and utter disgust. All of the life has been choked out of this stream due to the runoff from the local factory in rural China. I wanted to transform it completely, in hopes of restoring it to the time before the factory. In my new image the sky is a pleasant blue, the water is cleaned up and the smoggy factory has been transformed into grassy hills with a tree in the distance.

Source: National Geographic Magazine, [Polluted River in China], 2008. Washington DC: National Geographic Society. Vol 213 (5): 146.

Amy

No Boundary or New Boundary

This image of a Gucci pocketbook and expensive shoe reminds me of the greed of our country as it pertains to nature and trying to take control of what is not ours. I find excess written all over the image. I have remixed the image to represent strong boundaries with fortified walls. I feel that the boundaries are necessary to protect our wildlife and leave animals in their natural habitat. I use the image to make a statement about opening new doors, which creates a parallel to expanding the mind to various alternatives. I feel strongly that we need to leave the natural order and peace of nature, untouched by humans.

Source: Time Style and Design Magazine, [Photograph of Gucci Python Bag, Louis Vuitton Necklace, and Donna Karan Sandal], Spring 2008, p. 87.

Terri

Alternative Energy

The original advertisement consisted of a gasoline-guzzling car which I remixed to promote using a bicycle and walking instead of driving a car. I replaced the truck with the bicycle while using the existing truck wheels. Mosaic-like collage techniques and acrylic paint were used to cover the construction site and alter the wording. The meaning behind the remix is that using a bicycle or walking can help to resolve the problems of obesity, pollution, and overuse of fuel. All of which Americans desperately struggle with.

Source: Sports Illustrated, [Image on Back Cover], 3 March 2008.

Lisa G.

"Environmental Heroes"

For the remix, I looked for images of everyday items that people use and collaged them with a newer greener background. I also added images of eco-friendly ways to get energy.

When I flipped through Dwell Magazine, I noticed this advertisement right away. How ingenious! An advertisement to tell readers to recycle their magazines. I then pondered, "why limit the advertisement to just magazines? As environmental citizens, we should be concious about our carbon footprint. We should all recycle the packaging that comes with items we use and anything that is recycleable. We should also limit our energy consumption.

Source: Dwell Magazine, "Be a Hero," Dec/Jan 2008.

Phi Nguyen

Cost of Adventure

A comment on adventure as a commodity. Will there soon be speed limits on freefalling?

Source: Outside Magazine, "Parting Shot," July 2008.

John

What a Treat!?

I am continuously awed by the artwork in Real Simple. Each section is much like a chapter in a book; it has a page defines what is to come with objects made from paper. These ice cream cones were perfect as a summer treat. My media remix is mainly the Earth's natural resources. The first cone is made of water, air, and bricks. I think it is more of a flame than a cone. The next cone is made of stone, skin, and corduroy. It reminds me of Medusa's hair. The cone of the third ice cream is erected by a building and netting. The final cone is just something that wraps up summer: beautiful colors, music, and fashion. My cones stand on a road map going anywhere they choose.

Source: Real Simple Magazine, June 2008.

Stephanie L.

Time Is Running Out

The original image exemplifies the growing problem of enough water for all of the earth's inhabitants. Providing adequate water is a challenge in today's society. Severe droughts in the United States as well as in underdeveloped and developing countries, plus an ever expanding population, create increased demand. We consume water for drinking, hygiene and growing food, but also power for electricity and industrial use. The remix image indicates to the observer that we are running out of time to clean up our oceans and rivers for future generations. The earth is not recyclable. There is no hidden lifeboat. Take a stand, lend a hand. What is clean water worth? Join a clean water coalition/organization in your neighborhood.

Source: Unknown

Meg

"Dyson Sucks Dirt"

Originally this add repulsed me. These cleaning devices cost way too much and I feel they are totally overrated. This advertisement was from the December/January 2008 issue of Dwell Magazine: Suburbs with Attitude.

After really looking at the advertisement and looking for an environmental issue to remix the image; I came up with this remixed image.

I looked for collaged images that depicted dirt, war, inhumanity and trash. The vacuum is supposed to be "sucking" the dirt and spitting out fresh and clean air and a new greener earth. I wanted to show that if you were to buy such an expensive vacuum, it not only should be able to clean your house, but it should be able to clean the environment as well. There is so much money being wasted on producing and purchasing devices like this; money that could be well spent somewhere else, i.e., contributions to clean area waterways, forests, etc.

Source: Dwell Magazine, [Advertisement for Dyson Vacuum Cleaner], Dec/Jan 2008.

Phi Nguyen

Angel standing by me

The original image is an imprint of an angel in a white substance appearing to be snow or possibly sand. This fossil or imprint indicates that there was an angel there once, but no longer exists.

The transformed image is the return of the angel that left the imprint. The background of skies, water, a tree and rose petals is suppose to give it a sense of vitality.

The meaning of the remix is to infer that there is hope and spirituality in every situation.

Source: Unknown
Lisa

"No Child Left Inside" ~ Creating Environmental Stewards

This image represents lost opportunities in childhood. Technology, mass media and consumerism have transformed our world into a two-dimensional experience where electronic connetions are made to passive viewers and purchase power is sold as the elixer of life. Opportunties to physically interact with the environment have become accidental and limited, and are framed by fear of the unknown and unexperienced.

So, join my remixed image, turn off the electronics and leave the mall behind. Go outside and see what mother nature has to share. Find a worm, follow an ant, collect leaves, stomp in mud puddles, and come to know yourself by the nature-based experiences that shape you.

Source: Dwell Magazine, [Small Paul Advertisement], July 2008.

Kerri Schmidt

Clean Waters

Through this image I wanted to portray the transformation of a polluted body of water into one that is clean, vibrant, alive. With the presence of the sign, it is clear that this river is not only clean, but cared for, protected. A public awareness is present and respected. I used the original image of the trash-filled river as the background of the sign to acknowledge what can happen when we turn our backs on our great responsibility to our environment. The sign represents the active choice to personally own the health of our natural world.

Source: Unknown.

Grace

McDonalds vs. MrHealthy

The moment I looked at this image I was incredulous. How could the fast food joint, McDonalds be the official restaurant of the Olympics? Of course corporations had a role, but does anyone find this ironic? I mean french fries, barely meat greasy burgers and browning ice-berg lettuces can't be considered nearly edible for most- let alone hard-working professional athletes! They would be suffering from mal-nutrition, dehydration (you know those super-size sodas), and in the middle of competition would probably have to run to the toilet!
To help remedy this issue I transformed McD's into a more of an ideal Olympic restaurant; if it's going to be fast food at least make it healthier! Mr. Healthy includes fresh fruit, vegetables, grains and lentils to provide essential nutrients to the accomplished athletes representing our world.
- Kyle

"Green-ifying" the Urban Sprawl

The image I chose to remix is a sprawling urban landscape. This image is meaningful to me because it reminds me of many cities I've visited. The area outside the city used to have many fields and meadows. As time passed, the land changed. All of the beautiful, open meadows and fields were purchased and transformed into the sprawling urban developments, just like the one in the image, where there is no open space at all. My goal was to change the image from the sprawling cityscape to a city that has some open green space. I also want to get a message across to people who are developing open spaces. I hope they would develop wisely and keep some open spaces available for all people to enjoy.

Source: National Geographic Magazine, [City at Night], 2008. Washington DC: National Geographic Society. Vol 213 (5): 52.

Amy

Dusty to Lush

I chose this image because I had a visceral reaction to it. An exposed Egyptian ruin with its bone like structure breaking down before our eyes. I imagined the experience of being in the hot sun looking on at this eroding beauty; the dust in the dry air collecting on every surface. This kind of exposure to the elements is both frightening and exhiliarating. An extreme climate always reminds me of my limits.

I simply wanted to add some life; some green. The lushness might shield us from the reality that the forces of nature are stronger than we are. We can look on from a safe distance while the overgrowth provides us with a sense of protection. However, in and of itself the greenery can grow out of control and become unruly, thereby shaking our sense of security, again.

Is it me or do you hear the sound of a lawn-mower starting up?

Source: Unknown

-Raye