Building a legacy
How Our Actions Shape the Future
Work in progress
As I am creating this artwork, I am reminded that we’re all building something in life. Whether it's a life rooted in love and kindness, or one focused on self-interest and the endless consumption of things we think we need. Perhaps it’s a life dedicated to caring for others or to the preservation of nature. Maybe it’s a life filled with meaning and spiritual connection, or one defined by material possessions and a mindset of scarcity.
Having a grandchild has prompted me to reflect on the legacy I’ll leave behind — the world I am shaping for my children and grandchildren. I want to help build a world where all children are safe and cared for, regardless of where they were born or the color of their skin. I want my grandchildren to grow up in a world where they feel free to express their opinions and can do so safely, no matter the political climate or which government administration is in power.
This artwork is part of that reflection. What kind of home are we leaving behind? Nature is our home, and that is the central theme of this piece.
Detail of work in progress.
For a long time, humanity didn't fully grasp the impact we could have on the planet. We believed that the world was so vast and its resources so abundant, that we couldn’t possibly damage it. But we now know better. We understand that ecosystems are far more fragile than we once thought. Not only have larger species like the famous dodo bird disappeared, but many other animals are now in danger of vanishing. Since 2000, over twenty percent of North America’s butterfly population has disappeared, and numerous species are now endangered.
But the story doesn’t end with destruction. We also have the power to restore.
Nature is our home. Are we nurturing and protecting it, or are we letting it fall apart? We’ve reached a crossroads: we can either ignore the decline of our environment or take action to help restore it. Butterflies and insects might seem insignificant, but they are the foundation of our ecosystems. As they decline, so too will the plants and animals that rely on them for pollination and food.
We all have the power to make choices at a personal level that can make a difference. Many of us use insecticides in and around our homes when, in reality, they aren’t necessary. I’ve lost count of how many times "pest control" salespeople have knocked on my door, trying to shame me for the spider webs that might be present. So what? The spiders are simply part of the ecosystem, and if I really want to, I can clean the webs off my porch. Insecticides harm a wide range of creatures and contribute to the disruption of the entire food chain.
I personally use very few insecticides (I admit, I can’t stand having ants inside my house). My limited use means that I have a healthy pond, I see birds in my yard, and I have lizards, possums, and other wildlife around me.
I’ve also started incorporating native plant species into my garden, which benefits local wildlife. When we had to remove a tree in our front yard due to its destructive roots, we replaced it with a native oak. This tree is not only drought-tolerant with deep roots, but it also serves as a keystone species, supporting many insects and animals that depend on it for food and shelter.
These aren’t difficult changes to make. They’re small steps, one at a time, that each of us can take to make a difference. It’s time we ask ourselves: what are we truly building for future generations?
