“Just an artist” addressing climate justice

Hi, my name is Deb Mostert and I “draw and make.”  I'm an artist (with a small a). Lately my art practice has turned towards the pressing environmental issues that surround and demand a response from us.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the problems and apart from the token, somewhat hypocritical ways we make small differences to our daily habits of consumption and recycling, I couldn't see what I could do.

I'm just an artist.

But art can get under the radar....it can disarm and dismay but personally, I want to 'make something' of my world that reflects Truth, Goodness and Beauty.  All good things come from God and I’m very grateful that we are encouraged to participate in the redemptive practices of our creator God.

Lately I've been spending time in the Queensland Museum, drawing and documenting the work of taxidermists and scientists, getting alongside them and seeing up close the absolute stunning wonder of God's creation, and as a result, some works have emerged.

Deb Mostert Redemption Series Birds Sketchbook 2019 watercolour and brush marker on Stonehenge paper

The works below start the exploration into the ideas of Redemption and endangered birds and mammals on a long and sobering list, who are one step away from extinction. 

The trope of the museum cloche is one which traditionally housed taxidermy specimens collected in the days since the industrial revolution.

It is untenable to think that possibly all we have left of some species will be those housed in museum collections.

Can we be a part of redemptive practices? How can we make a difference and help bring kingdom values into play?

I'm just an artist but hopefully, I can make conversations happen.

Deb Mostert- Redemption Series (Numbat, Palm Cockatoo and Echidna)  Click for full size image

I've also recently taken part in a positive protest - 'the Blackthroated Finch project'

There are approximately 1500 of these critically endangered birds left in the wild and 1000 of them are thought to be impacted by the Adani Mine due to habitat loss. 

So I sent Federal Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley an original artwork of a Blackthroated Finch as part of a movement of artists (started by Melbourne artist Charlotte Watson) who aim to send 1000 original artworks of the finch to the politician of their choice. 

It struck me as such a non violent, gracious and Upside-Down-Kingdom-way to bless instead of curse. So I got on board this initiative because I could see the common grace at work in this project.

You can see how many lovely pieces of artwork have gone out on one of the instagram pages 

Maybe it's futile in terms of changing the outcomes but offering good in return for evil is the better way. Maybe nothing will come of it, maybe all the artworks will be binned or maybe taken home quietly to be enjoyed. Either way, they serve as a silent witness to the creatures that pay the price for our actions. 

Here was my offering:

Are you artistic?  Why not join the campaign- send your art to a politician and share it online

If not, you can write to politicians as Common Grace did, in support of Aunty Alex Gator’s call for a halt to any more work at the Adani mine until the Wangan and Jagalingou Traditional Owners’ appeal has been heard.