Environmental Advocacy

This is a t-shirt graphic that I created using a silk screen for the environmental advocacy project. I focused on the sea otter, which is an endangered species due to pollution and deteriorating environmental conditions.

To create this graphic, I first sketched the designs in pencil, using photos from the internet for reference. Contrast and line weight were the most important elements to consider in creating my designs because the silk screen had to be two-tone and larger lines often come out better. I went over my sketches in permanent marker, increasing the line weight. I then scanned each image, increased the contrast, adjusted the sizes, and added the text to the back image. I printed both images on transparent paper to use to expose the screens. I made the screens by stretching nylon mesh onto a frame and applying photo emulsion using a squeegee to create in a thin, even coat. I let the screens dry in the dark to keep them from exposing. When the screens were dry, I attached the transparent prints of my designs to the screens and exposed them in a light box. I used multiple transparent prints of each image taped together in order to prevent light from leaking through where the graphic was. This effectively caused the uncovered emulsion to harden in the light, whereas the emulsion covered by the graphic did not harden. I then rinsed the screens under cold water to wash away all the emulsion that had been covered by my graphics, to create a negative on the silk screen. Because of the small lines on the front graphic, I had to adjust the size and line weight multiple times before the emulsion would wash away properly. After rinsing the screens, I used screen filler to fill places where too much emulsion has washed away in order to attain as mush detail as possible. This project evolved in that after creating the back graphic screen, I realized I had spelled "extinction" wrong. To fix this, I covered the word with screen filler and decided to write the word on the shirts by hand. At this point I was ready to run prints. I used foam board under the shirts to provide a flat surface and used a squeegee with silk screening ink to create the graphics. Finally, I used a small paintbrush to add the word "extinction" and to correct any print errors on the shirts.

I chose to focus on sea otters for my project because they are not as publicized as an endangered species as other animals, but are no less important. I wanted to spread awareness about the state of the sea otters and I thought that t-shirts would put a fun spin on this effort with a pun. This project relates to my life in that I care about the environment and the effects that it has on wildlife. I am a strong believer in the value of waste reduction, recycling and composting to preserve the environment. The most challenging part of this project was creating the small graphic screen because the emulsion was not washing away properly, and forced me to redo the screen multiple times. I am most proud of the shirt as a whole; I think the two graphics come together well and complement each other. The designs as a whole also advocate for environmental awareness, which was the point of the project. I think the designs could be stronger if the message advocated for more specific action to help the otters, though I feel that environmental care is implied. This piece illustrates my strength as an artist in my ability to advocate for a cause and to use a new technique. It shows weakness in lack of specificity in my message.