Benjamin Pochurek's "Flora Lung"
Artist Statement
Flora Lung explores the climate change threats of deforestation and desertification, and the important role of the individual to protect our environment. My sculpture is inspired by early diving gear, “Aqua Lung”. Just as humans developed technology to survive underwater, this futurist figure has been forced to invent new technology, Flora Lung to survive on land.
The solitary figure sits atop a lone pine tree stump among a vast expanse of dry land, devoid of vegetation. The figure uses oxygen from fully grown air plants to survive. I chose air plants due to their resistance to harsh conditions and their need for minimal water. The figure's posture and grip show that it is intent on protecting and nurturing several small sprouts in order to replenish Flora Lung.
The moment I captured represents both our interdependency with the environment and the fragility of its ecosystems. Just as the pine tree stump symbolizes the harm we are doing to the environment, the air plant sprouts signify hope and yearning. By adapting an old technology to suit new conditions, I wanted to show that we can learn from the past to improve our future.
I made this piece by drawing, fabricating, welding, carving, sanding, and gardening. All materials were artcycled, and were found in my garage, recycling center junk piles, or the Maine outdoors.
With Flora Lung, I hope to inspire the present generation that we all have the creativity to innovate new solutions today to combat our current climate crisis. Thank you.
Materials Used
Oak desktop, cedar, pine, tomato planter, metal bed frame, washers, bolts, threaded rod, wire, welding wire, hydraulic nibs, sheet steel, gears, plastic tubing, metal tubing, wood stain, clay, sand, air plants, and small rocks.