Michelle Waters

Artist Statement

My paintings are a response to the sixth mass extinction which we humans are causing. In the last 50 years, 2/3 of all wild animals have been wiped off the face of the Earth due to human activities. My paintings are intended to raise awareness of the biodiversity crisis, and are influenced by my spiritual connection with animals, and by my work in wildlife rehabilitation, environmental advocacy, and cat rescue.

I believe that art can be a powerful and effective way to help foster empathy for non-humans. We need to own the carnage our species is wreaking on the natural world. My aim is to help people connect emotionally with what it means to lose nature and wild animals. I view my art as cultural resistance to ecocide.

My Instagram handle is @michellewatersart, and my website is michellewatersart.com