Gaviota Before the Oil Spill

Black Gold

Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

Montana de Oro

The California Coastal Sanctuary Act was passed in 1994 to protect state waters, in response to oil spills. My series, “California Coastal Sanctuary”, explores the beauty and variety of beaches and potential threats to them. “Black Gold” is a sculpture that depicts a decorative ceramic piece invaded by tar balls, contrasting the wealth made from oil drilling to its polluting impact. I feature seaweed in my drawings to represent the vital role it plays in marine ecosystems. Ongoing proposals for offshore drilling in federal waters continue to pose a risk to the state’s beaches. Efforts to restart the oil pipeline on the Gaviota coast, site of a huge spill in 2015, highlight the importance of preserving the sanctuary. I see a parallel between sanctuary cities protecting immigrants and the sanctuary protecting the coast. Just as the well being of our immigrant community is now imperiled, the future of our vulnerable coastline is at risk.