Marilyn Pitman Waite

This piece is a culmination of social issues I have been wrangling with for 60 years. Born as a 4th generation Southern Californian, and raised in the land of clean beaches, mountains and sun. Juxtaposed was the sharp contrast of the glitz and materialism of Hollywood a half hour away from my house. The 60’s and beyond became the “buy it, throw it” generation.

Earth Day, April 22, 1970 hit me with an unexpected force. My Rebel and Advocate were sitting in the wings ready to pounce urging me to ask the question “what can I do?”

I began using the mantra, Act Locally, Think Globally! With friends we started a recycling center that went from volunteer led to a line item in the Atchison, Kansas city budget! Fifty years later with climate activists making little impact on the politics of climate change and war on our land we are in chaos with overwhelming HARD TRUTHS.

Today I’m a visual artist learning about the system of archetypal patterns. I approach the hard truths with like-minded women SEEKing other ways to answer the question, “What can I do visually to raise awareness?”

My Seeker looks for truth and facts, my Rebel is always ready to act, the Advocate has pen in hand to compose the message, and my Artist is ready to create the visual – a collaboration with the different aspects of myself.

I zeroed in on FORCED MIGRATION resulting from the Climate Crisis. Twenty million people are displaced each year. (World Forum)

And war – bombing residential and industries big and small. At least 37 million people have been displaced as a direct result of the wars fought by the United States since Sept. 11, 2001. (NY Times)

How to depict crisis? My piece is comprised of three sections, the first implies a rugged journey of migration, often to the USA – now a country divided. The second and third pieces put the emphasis on chaos and senseless destruction. Tears, a symbol used by my Seeker and my Artist, convey the deep emotion felt for the refugees/migrants wandering the globe looking for home.

I chose materials destined for the landfill and oceans – plastics, cardboard, bubble wrap, and recycled cloth painted and embroidered. The colors align with the images. It was assembled so it could be reconfigured in other public venues. There was a conscious attempt to jar, to cause discomfort and to heighten awareness. The goal was to have the viewer ask, “What can I do to help my planet?”

Forced Migration 2022 13” x 39” Mixed Media NFS