©2024 Peyton Schilt. Please do not use image without permission from the artist.
Photos by Abigail Brown
18 inch diameter
Acrylic paint, paint marker
In Collaboration with Chris Hamerla, Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator at Stevens Point, WI
As a lover of nature, I was excited to research and execute a piece that dealt with such a delicate, multifaceted topic like invasivity. When discussing ideas for the piece, I found myself drawn to the idea of belonging, and of finding one’s place on Earth. My piece deals with the way an invasive species may interact with their environment, and the overarching idea that every single thing on Earth belongs somewhere. While a plant or animal may be considered destructive, harmful, and overbearing in one environment, there is a place where that plant belongs; where it is considered beautiful, harmonious, and lovely. Two sides of the same coin, and yet equally important to learn and draw inspiration from.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I am currently enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Art, along with Certificates in Game Design and Theatre. I am also involved in Art for Change and the University Theatre.
I have always loved the arts and appreciated its ability to communicate across barriers and provide meaning where words cannot. I use art to portray ideas from my own life and as a tool to promote change.
As a lover of nature, I was excited to research and execute a piece that dealt with such a delicate, multifaceted topic like invasivity. When discussing ideas for the piece, I found myself drawn to the idea of belonging, and of finding one’s place on Earth. My piece deals with the way an invasive species may interact with their environment, and the overarching idea that every single thing on Earth belongs somewhere. While a plant or animal may be considered destructive, harmful, and overbearing in one environment, there is a place where that plant belongs; where it is considered beautiful, harmonious, and lovely. Two sides of the same coin, and yet equally important to learn and draw inspiration from.
@pgs.art – instagram
ABOUT THE WATER PARTNER
Chris Hamerla graduated from the University of WI Stevens Point in 1998 with an English major and writing minor. In 2007 he graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy at NorthCentral Technical College. He went on to become a certified law enforcement officer and is a former WI Conservation Warden. As a Regional Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator for Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. he educates and engages volunteers and partners to identify and manage invasive species. For over a decade, he has monitored for invasives and worked with lake residents, county staff and other partners in more than thirty counties across Wisconsin. Hamerla has collaborated with WI Waterfowl Assoc., WI Trappers Assoc., the WI AIS Partnership and WDNR Furbearer staff to create publications and AIS prevention videos. He has written AIS articles that were published in national and state magazines as well as local media outlets Chris’s work regularly includes his yellow lab, Cisco. In 2020 Cisco and Chris were awarded an Invader Crusader award from the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council. During his free time Hamerla enjoys wildlife photography, fishing, trapping, hunting and rock hounding.
https://www.goldensandsrcd.org
MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH SUPPORT FROM
