Karin Beaumont
Oceanic Links

Living in the island state of Tasmania the ocean plays an important part in our history, our culture and our daily lives. This work is inspired by the microscopic plankton (creatures that drift with the ocean currents) that are critical to the health of our air, our sea, and livelihood. The links in this chain allude to these connections. Amidst the flow of the chain there are two delicate pierced elements portraying specific plankton called Coccolithophorids. These creatures are threatened by excess carbon dioxide we have released into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide forms acid in the ocean that has increased to a level where it is dissolving their shells. Will they be able to adapt? Like us they face a time of change and adaptation. Climate change is a major issue for contemporary Tasmanian women. As women, we can implement changes in how our families live; such as the energy we use, the food we choose to eat, and how we use our water. As Tasmanian women we are empowered by our small communities to be creative in taking steps to secure our unique island life into the future.