Bridges to 2020 Artist’s Statement

Those who’ve followed my work since the late 1990s know I’m deeply involved, along with thousands of residents and dozens of organizations and groups, in addressing challenges on all fronts of social, economic and environmental stewardship and justice.

The challenges of our time are extreme and pressing, and will require an educated public to engage leaders in a re-thinking and re-working of existing assumptions, laws, and inequities that block solutions to climate change, drought, corporatocracy and the disenfranchisement of many Americans.

My Bridges to 2020 offer optimistic portrayals of common sense solutions and hopeful information on better outcomes for people, planet and all sentient beings.  I hope my art and writing will inspire you to explore ancient and visionary ideas and that you too will engage in actions to rebalance our human relationships with resources, environment, politics, our region, our world and ourselves.

Join me in contemplating ways we can move in an upward spiral via re-examining existing beliefs and assumptions and exploring ways to replace the laws, practices, traditions, apathy and misunderstandings that encumber the solutions and changes necessary for the very best possible future. there are resources beneath the gallery below with research suggestions and resources. I have also included “Oregon’s Bridges to 2020,” a list of suggested areas of focus that was presented with my exhibition in 2015.

Purchase of originals and prints can be arranged; contact me at catiefaryl@hotmail.com

~ Catie Faryl

Bridges to 2020 book list compiled by Artist Catie Faryl , April 2015

• Frankenstein’s Cat by Emily Anthes
• The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
• The Ecology of Eden by Evan Eisenberg
• Art as Medicine  by Shaun McNiff
• A People’s History of America by Howard Zinn,
• “The Great Work: Our Way into the Future”   by Brian Swimme
• The Universe is a Green Dragon  by Thomas Berry
• The World Without Us   by Alan Weisman
• Altered Genes, Twisted Truth, Steven Druker
• The Human Impact on the Natural Environment: Past, Present, and Future Paperback – June 10, 2013
• Geo-Engineering Climate Change: Environmental Necessity or Pandora’s Box? Hardcover – January 18, 2010 J. Michael T. Thompson
• Ark of the Broken Covenant: Protecting the World’s Biodiversity Hotspots (Issues in Comparative Public Law) Hardcover – February 28, 2003  by John Charles Kunich
• Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
• Listening to the Land by Derrick Jensen
• Poison Spring: The Secret History of Pollution and the EPA Paperback – March 3, 2015
  by E.G. Vallianatos
• Silent Spring, Paperback – Unabridged, October 22, 2002 by Rachel Carson
• The Resurgence of the Real: Body, Nature and Place in a Hypermodern World, Paperback – March 1, 1999 by Charlene Spretnak
• This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate, Hardcover – September 16, 2014
  by Naomi Klein
• Lost Lore: A celebration of traditional wisdom Hardcover – November 7, 2009
  by Editors of Chambers
• What’s Mine Is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption. Rachel Botsman, Roo Rogers Paperback – February 1, 2011 by Rachel Botsman

EARTH BRIDGE:  Humans Be Still! Make room and care for all
elements and sentient beings

Key Word Searches:

• Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) Famous for the idea of the Reverence of Life
• Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983)  neo-futuristic architect, systems theorist, author, designer, and inventor.
• Antonio Gaudi  (1852-1926)  Famous for his study of nature applied to architecture

Books:

• Frankenstein’s Cat by Emily Anthes
• The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
• The Ecology of Eden by Evan Eisenberg

Links:

• http://www.iucnredlist.org/
• http://www.centerforbiologicaldiversity.org
• http://news.mongabay.com/2015/0324-lbell-forest-fragmentation.html
• http://earthweareone.com/how-monsanto-is-contributing-to-our-extinction/
• http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/extreme-mammals/extremeextinction
• http://www.iucn.org/knowledge/publications_doc/archive/2008_issue2/ – Article titled:      Globalization-the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/03/11/extinction-fruits-vegetables.aspx
• http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/the-charter-of-the-forest/
• http://www.magnacartacanada.ca/the-charter-of-the-forest/
• http://www.amphibianark.org/the-crisis/frightening-statistics/
• http://www.greenprophet.com/2014/03/collapsible-woven-refugee-shelters-powered-by-the-sun/
• http://www.africanconservancy.org/about/documents/Facts.pdf
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/28/human-population-how-does_n_1064390.html Human Population: How Does It Compare To Other Species?  National Geographic 2011
• http://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/article/the-most-ancient-and-magnificent-trees-from-around-the-world/ss-AA8wtLk?ocid=mailsignout#image=12

AIR BRIDGE: Diminish the gorilla of fossil fuel, expand the human heart

Key Word Search:

• The Venus Project
• Charles Einstein
• Murmuration

Books:

• Art as Medicine by Shaun McNiff
• Lost Lore: A celebration of traditional wisdom by Editors of Chambers
• The Human Impact on the Natural Environment: Past, Present, and Future
• Geo-Engineering Climate Change: Environmental Necessity or Pandora’s Box?  J.Michael Thompson

Links:

• http://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/climate-change-brings-world-closer-to-doomsday-say-scientists/ar-AA8tMby?ocid=iehp
• http://educateinspirechange.org/nature/beautiful-photos-tiny-humans-lost-majesty-nature/
• https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153494184612316&fref=nf
• http://www.iheartintelligence.com/2014/08/21/pesticideskillus/
• www.uptous.org
• www.beyondtoxics.org
• http://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/scientists-human-activity-has-pushed-earth- beyond-four-of-nine-%e2%80%98planetary-boundaries%e2%80%99/ar-AA8ddtt?ocid=iehp
• http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/04/05/clean-energy-breakthrough-scientists-extract-hydrogen-gas-from-plants/
• http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/historic-thaw-in-antarctica-may-have-major-effect-on-   coastal-cities/ar-BBgl755

FIRE BRIDGE: Carry the torch of new and ancient solutions

Key Word Searches:

• Cellulose 3-D printing
• Geothermal energy is renewable
• Quantum and magnetic energy
• the-powerhouse-inside-the-invention-of-a-battery-to-save-the-world
• Tesla

Books:

• Howard Zinn, “A People’s History of America”
• Thomas Berry,  “The Great Work: Our Way into the Future”
• Brian Swimme, “ The Universe is a Green Dragon”

Links:

• http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/04/05/clean-energy-breakthrough-scientists-extract- hydrogen-gas-from-plants/
• http://www.aquiziam.com/ancient-technology.html
• http://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/climate-change-brings-world-closer-to-doomsday-say-scientists/ar-AA8tMby?ocid=iehp
• http://www.inventor-strategies.com/latest-science-inventions.html
• http://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/video/watch-mini-eiffel-tower-emerge-from-goo/vi-   BBirki8?refvid=BBixNqI
• http://www.wanttoknow.info/newenergyinventionsmediaarticles-20-20
• www.cheniere.org Solutions to the World Energy Crisis
• http://technologygateway.nasa.gov/media/CC/lenr/lenr.html  (Cold Fusion)
• http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/Biofuel-created-by-explosive-technology-4191168.php
• http://www.msn.com/en-us/video/peopleandplaces/human-powered-ferris-wheel/vi-     AA8s271?ocid=iehp
• http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/29/world/eole-water-turbine/index.html  Wind turbine creates water from thin air
• http://moneymorning.com/ext/articles/rickards/five-signs-the-world-is-on-the-cusp-of-all-out-war.php?iris=331644
• http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/269771/28/Man-makes-drinking-water-out-of-thin-air  Man makes drinking water out of thin air
• http://thewatchers.adorraeli.com/2012/01/07/the-10-inventions-of-nikola-tesla-that-changed-the-world/
• http://cars.uk.msn.com/news/in-pictures-msv-explorer-amphibious-vehicle-promises-perpetual-motion  MSV Explorer amphibious vehicle promises perpetual motion
• http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/San-Francisco-area-drivers-1st-with-algae-biofuel  San Francisco area drivers 1st with algae biofuel  2012-11-14, San Francisco Chronicle (SF’s leading newspaper) Post has been renamed and can now be found here: http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/Algae-based-fuel-on-sale-in-Bay-Area-4035462.php
• http://www.sfgate.com/search/?action=search&searchindex=gsa&query=algae+biofuel

WATER BRIDGE: Conserve and respect our Mother

Key Word Search:

• Water Wise Project
• Watershed Sentinel
• Gyres

Books:

• The Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
• The Poison Spring: The Secret History of Pollution and the EPA by E.G. Vallianatos
• Cadillac  Desert: The American West and its Disappearing Water by Marc Reisner
• The World Without Us   by Alan Weisman

Links:

• http://www.mnemotrix.com/adasr/jerry/paper.html
• http://www.weather.com/series/great-outdoors/video/ocean-life-faces-mass-extinction
• http://gathr.us/screening/11498   BBC : Trace Amounts – film about vaccines
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4461265.stm  NEWS | Africa | Why pumping water is child’s play.  Playground roundabouts are being used in South Africa to solve water supply problems in rural villages
• http://www.reshareable.tv/never-thought-a-billboard-could-be-used-this-way.html?h=2
• http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/07/090709-fog-catchers-peru-water-missions/

OREGON’S BRIDGES TO 2020

INSTITUTE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR CONSERVATION OF ENERGY IN EVERY SECTOR.  REWARD LESS UTILITY USE BY MAKING CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES PARTNERS IN REDUCTION OF POWER AND WATER SOURCES.  Most people recycle – we fill the green bins, and that green material is sold to BioMass, to the profit of the garbage companies. Likewise the red bins’ contents are sold and profit the garbage companies.  It is time to allow citizens to participate in this profitable exchange by incentivizing them.  A rewards points system could be developed that gives recyclers a discount on their garbage collection bill. Incentivize people with a low water rate as a reward for the lowest users. Charge the excessive users/abusers a costly amount.

SEEK INVESTORS AND FIND STATE MONEY TO DEVELOP NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND BRING FORWARD NEW INVENTIONS.  STOP REPRESSING NEW AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES IN FAVOR OF OLD FOSSIL FUEL SYSTEMS.

USE GAS TAX FOR FUNDING MODERN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS: Amend the Oregon State constitution and budget to include a portion of the State Gas Tax to build alternative public transportation and new transportation energy technologies and system.

WORK WITH ODOT so that abandoned systems rest stops along I-5 can be utilized as Demonstration Centers for Landfill Diversion and new technologies that use fiber (cleared from State roads and railroad properties) for cellulose building and new energy. A HUGE JOBS PROGRAM COULD BE CREATED BASED ON CLEANING UP THE ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPING BETTER WAYS OF HANDLING WASTE such as soil building and energy/fuel generation.

STOP SPRAYING of City, County, State and Federal lands AND CREATE A WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE MATERIALS FOR NEW BUSINESSES USING CELLOLOSE PRINTERS AND NON FOOD BIO FUELS.

DEMAND THAT RAILROADS CONCEDE RIGHT OF WAYS for passenger trains, and stop “hogging” the lines for freight only.

BRING BACK MANUFACTURING JOBS TO OREGON THAT ARE BASED ON LAND AND FOREST STEWARDSHIP.

REMOVE FEDERAL SUBSIDIES FOR GMO FARMING. INCREASE SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FAMILY FARMS

CLEAN WATER:  Clean up the waterways and air through an education campaign about storm drains, unnecessary garden chemicals, and other pollution sources. Innovate new water catchment and remove laws that encumber home gray water and catchment systems.

USE WATER APPROPRIATELY: In rural and agriculture regions rebuild the irrigation districts and improve water catchment, allow gray water systems for homes and businesses, build  cisterns and repair natural riparian systems in order to establish reliable water supplies where outdoor water is used for outdoor purposes.  This would take a great deal of pressure off potable water expense and make more sense to use potable water for drinking, cooking and bathing and outdoor water for irrigation, landscaping, car washing, etc.

Evaluate the riparian waterways and the T.I.D. and M.I.D. systems to see how water catchment, creation of water cisterns, restoration of creeks and streams can provide more conservation and better coordination of how potable and outdoor water can be used for most savings and conserving water. Avoid immediate removal of dams which are providing hydro-power and study more closely the disruptive impacts to environment and communities.

EXPAND JOBS IN FOREST STEWARDSHIP and make new jobs to clear the fallen fire-fuel and small trees before we experience a major forest fire.

WORK WITH THE GREEN GRANGES, and other farm groups to transition all Oregon farms to non GMO, non-chemical, sustainable farming practices.  BAN ALL GMOS IN OREGON TO PROTECT OUR LEGACY AS A SEED SANCTUARY AND A HAVEN FOR ORGANIC GROWERS TO LIVE AND GROW FOOD FOR AMERICA.

DESIGN ALL PUBLIC SPACES, SCHOOLS AND GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS WITH FOOD FORESTS AND FOOD-PRODUCING GARDENS AND WATER CATCHMENT FEATURES.  SUPPORT HOME AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OF SAME.

STATE OFFER FREE NUTRITION CLASSES to educate people and wean them off refined white sugar, canola oil, GM corn and soy, snacks and processed foods that contribute to rise in diabetes, heart attack and cancers.

LOWER THE USE OF ALCOHOL, DRUGS, pharmaceuticals, smoking, anti-depressants, and illegal drug use through counseling and a jobs program that pays the unemployed or poverty-line retirees for doing prevention, care and community work with those in need.

ENCOURAGE THE MEDIA TO RAISE STANDARDS of movies, TV programming and limit the death, violence, gratuitous sex and carnage, encourage spiritual leaders and trendsetters to raise the bar, restore common sense, human scope and kindness and moral compass to what is produced and shown.

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MEDIA AND INCREASE VOTER BASE BY CREATING JOBS AND STAKEHOLDER STATUS FOR ALL RESIDENTS.

MAINTAIN A STRONG PUBLIC SCHOOL AND LIBRARY SYSTEM.  MAINTAIN POST OFFICES AND PUBLIC SERVICE NECESSITIES.

RECLAIM RESPECT AND PROPER TREATMENT OF PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT – Golden Rule as main law, and reduce the patrolling and imprisonment of people through giving them work and positive and attainable goals and rewards. RESTORE RESPECT FOR RIGHTS OF NATURE.

SEND NO SOLDIERS FROM OREGON TO WARS.

REDUCE PACKAGING OF ALL KINDS. Mount a public relations campaign to give people the thought to COMPROMISE BY USING MORE GENERIC PRODUCTS, LESS CHOICES AND LESS GLAMOUR/STATUS IN EXCHANGE FOR FEWER AND BETTER CHOICES.

-Catie Faryl, updated in May 2015 for Bridges to 2020 Art Exhibit at Medford, Oregon Library thru 7/7/15