Elizabeth Murphy

Cultivation verses Corrosion: The Dichotomy of Two Strengths of Water

Inspired by: John Willis, Recycled Realities 1 Winslow Homer, Gathering Berries

oil paint

12” x 12”

2023

This image depicts the dichotomy of cultivation and corrosion; two powerful strengths of water. Water is deemed a critical necessity for creation and sustenance of life. The possibility of life existing is impossible without it. Humans’ control and redirection of earth’s water sources has a direct effect on the viability of life, both positive and negative. The top left of the painting represents cultivation as also shown in Homer’s Gathering Berries. In my painting cultivation is depicted with the lush vegetation on the bank of a pond and the ducks swimming in their natural environment. The bottom right portion shows the powerful corrosive force of water. The man-made, paint chipped water valve, humans attempt to control, divert, and manipulate the natural flow and course of water, is rusted, eroded, and damaged. As questioned in Willis’ Recycled Realities #1, what is the balance of the natural environment and human intervention?