Artist, Michael Wyshock talks to us about the problem of Global Warming and his approach toward it. Through his paintings, mixed media, and films, Wyshock explores this problem and expresses his thoughts by different forms of art.


QUESTION: As a filmmaker, how did you approach the problem of Global Warming?

ANSWER: Global Warming became part of my thought process when making video art several years ago. I began working with coastal land loss as a theme while living in Florida and Southern Louisiana (99-06). Visits to the barrier islands along the Gulf Coast allowed for the capture of imagery that referenced issues surrounding co-occupancy of species, salinity levels and environmental changes. This facilitated the video piece Birdeye. Time spent on the beaches of Arembepe, Brasil also introduced themes of water, environment and pollution into my work.

Further interest with Global Warming as an integral theme developed with an experimental documentary about hurricane Katrina called One Year Later and an experiential Moving Painting called Waterbang.

Waterbang uses visual information to consider the role of water, and the contamination of it. Some of the imagery is the result of layers of footage of car lights during rush hour to work, power plants, oil drills, etc. This use of fuels and how it affects our other resources is another reference. Other imagery is from a range of species.

The movement and rework of time lapsed imagery is meant to reference movement of new technologies. There is also a suggestion of shared DNA made through biological clips of specimens and DNA structure. This suggestion is meant to introduce shared responsibility and the urgency to think as an intelligent species of how to repair it. The unexpected rhythm and tumultuous imagery lead to a calming resolve, representing a transitory world that allows for healing.

QUESTION: Do you think you succeeded in reaching out to people and making them more aware of this issue by your film? If so, how?

ANSWER: I don't know. I've been very fortunate to share these productions with different audiences and can only hope that it encourages viewers to revisit these themes often enough to rethink how their lifestyles consume and contribute.


QUESTION: In your opinion, what is the role of internet as a distribution method for filmmakers like you who want to draw attention to crucial and worldly issues?

ANSWER: The internet to me is a communication platform that allows persons to share information and ideas. At little cost you can connect to the entire planet and start dialogues.

For further information on Michael Wyshock, please visit his personal profile at www.filmannex.com/wyshock