Heathfield's Pupil Editor: Sustainability

We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our pupil editor initiative, which aims to give pupils the opportunity to showcase their talents to a wider audience. Earlier this term, we set our editors their latest challenge: to write an article or submit a series of photographs centred around the theme of the environment.

With COP26 grabbing the headlines at the end of last year, we’ve been hugely impressed by pupils’ commitment to driving positive change both in school and out. We’re delighted to publish a series of photographs taken by Lara, a Lower Sixth pupil at Heathfield School. Keep scrolling to hear what inspired her work, and then and take a look at the impressive results...

The preservation of our world is essential. Especially since the vengeful aspects of climate change are now so apparent and have really begun to affect us and the planet. Through my recent work I have explored the idea of letting nature take its course, as many would say that nature is best left to its own devices. Problems are created by mankind’s interference with the normal course of nature. The simple truth may be that if mankind had let nature take its course at the outset, many of today’s problems would have been avoided. Once mankind started to interfere and make changes, it has become almost impossible to stop. 

Through my experimentation of various artistic techniques, I have explored the way that the natural world has the potential to overtake the negative effect of mankind as much as we are overtaking it. It also celebrates how precious our world is and how the natural elements should be preserved just as much as manmade artefacts. 

I have chosen the following pieces to represent this idea. The first way I wanted to explore how nature is so precious was by photographing an image of glistening water to represent the fluidity and enigma of the ocean. I proceeded to print this image on to fabric and embellish it with gold leaf to represent the treasurable nature of the resource. I further developed my work by creating a corset with the fabric I had created and embellished. 

The second way I interpreted the idea of the natural world taking over mankind to reverse the damage caused by climate change, was to create a sculpture inspired by a collection by the artist Damien Hirst. The sculpture is a stone arm covered in shells and coral like paint which are almost ingrained in the arm. This symbolises the way in which nature can alter things when left untouched by humans. Perhaps giving an insight into what might happen if mankind stopped interfering with the natural world. It also symbolises the importance of sustainably to maintain nature’s natural splendour.

Keep your eyes peeled for lots more of Lara's brilliant work popping up on our website over the coming months! And remember: if you'd like to apply, do please email us at talk@talkeducation.com.