Essays by Robert Bateman Addiction We have become addicted to newness, bigness, freedom and mobility. All of these things are pleasant and useful in moderation but we, like alcoholics, can't seem to get enough. We are on a binge that is carrying our society into chaos. Hand-in-hand with this is our addiction to consumer products and commercial television. An addict becomes so deeply hooked that he loses his common sense and his humanity. Our society is increasingly showing similar symptoms. Like an alcoholic we must face the root of our problem and admit that we are addicts. Newness, bigness, freedom and mobility were our philosophical wheels which carried us to unprecedented power and luxury. They are now carrying us along so quickly we seem to be losing control. We must face what is happening, practice moderation and take control. Waiting is dangerous. Technology and The Steamroller It has been said that modern technology is like a steamroller ... "You are either part of the steamroller or you are part of the road!". But the last time I checked, a steamroller did not have much room for human beings. And if you are lucky enough to be on board, there is always somebody trying to push or pull you off in order to take your place. It is dog-eat-dog out there. It seems that you can take nothing for granted, no matter what your job. Also, the last time I checked, a steamroller does not have good steering or braking capabilities. If it gets going too fast and we come to a curve, it could be disastrous. In fact, disasters are happening continuously to our natural heritage and human heritage caught in the path of the modern technology bulldozer. It seems to be getting bigger and faster and no-one seems to be steering. Where are we going? When will it end, and how? Is it a good idea to put the entire future of all human beings and plants and animals on this planet in the path of this massive and mindless machine? | In the spring of 2006, one of the world’s best-loved wildlife artists donated an etching to show his support for the campaign to preserve the Echo Heights Forest. Robert Bateman sent the Chemainus Residents Association a limited print etching of a Barred owl, just one of the many birds found in the 52 acres. 
Barred Owl by Robert Bateman Print 54/90
“We were all deeply moved to receive this gift from Mr Bateman,” said
CRA chair Lynn Morrison. “All the support we are receiving to preserve
this special place has been encouraging. But to be recognized by
someone of such stature is truly inspiring.” Photo by Birgit Freybe Bateman
Bateman, who lives on Salt Spring Island, was earlier this month the
recipient of the Ideas for Life honour at the Canadian Environment
Award ceremony. The honour is given for outstanding efforts that
increase environmental awareness or the conservation, restoration or
sustainability. "The current thinking is that we can let the next generation pay for this,” he said. "It's not that simple. We are wiping out biodiversity, and extinction is the death of future possibilities." Lynn Morrison said the Barred owl print will be the centrepiece for an auction which is planned for later this year. To view Robert Bateman's artwork, essays and other info, go here |
