"The sublime is a very powerful tool for engagement because it speaks to something deep within us and touches on our sense of place in the universe."
Edward Burtynsky's quote suggests that the "sublime," a term often used in aesthetics to describe awe-inspiring, vast, or overwhelming beauty, serves as an effective tool for engaging people emotionally. By connecting us to something larger than ourselves, it stirs within us a deep sense of our place and purpose in the universe. This emotional engagement can lead to a better understanding and appreciation of our relationship with nature and our role as its stewards.
"We are in an age where we've come to understand that there's no pristine place left, no undamaged paradise. We're living in a world where nature and culture have blended together."
Edward Burtynsky's quote underscores the reality of modern human existence: we have impacted every corner of our planet to such an extent that there is no longer any untouched, pristine wilderness. The fusion of nature and culture symbolizes the interconnectedness between humans and the environment - we are no longer separate entities but intricately linked, with our actions shaping the natural world and vice versa. This realization calls for a shift in perspective, encouraging us to reconsider our relationship with the Earth and strive for sustainable practices that preserve and protect our shared home.
"My work is about our impact on the planet, how we are part of nature, not apart from it."
This quote by Edward Burtynsky suggests that humans have an integral role in the natural world, rather than existing independently of it. His work, particularly his photography, serves to highlight the visible evidence of human influence on Earth, illustrating how our actions are intertwined with nature's processes. It implies a call to acknowledge and understand the impact we as a species have on the planet, fostering an appreciation for the delicate balance between human civilization and the natural environment.
"The images I make are not a political statement but more of a poetic statement about the beauty and the terror that humanity has inflicted on the planet."
Edward Burtynsky's quote suggests that his photographic works, which often depict human impact on the environment, serve as both a celebration of nature's aesthetic qualities and a sobering reflection of our destructive influence. The images evoke a sense of beauty that coexists with the horror of environmental degradation caused by human activity. In essence, Burtynsky aims to stir emotions and provoke thought about humanity's relationship with nature without explicitly taking a political stance.
"I believe the act of witnessing is a moral act. We have to see, and we have to tell stories about what we've seen. It's important for us to engage with the world around us, rather than being cut off from it by our own convenience."
Edward Burtynsky emphasizes that witnessing and storytelling are moral acts that connect us to the world beyond ourselves. By observing and sharing our experiences, we foster empathy and understanding, engaging with global issues rather than avoiding them for personal comfort. This perspective encourages active participation in shaping a more enlightened and compassionate society.
The bigger question is how does a rogue species called humans - whose population just blew through the seven billion mark on it's way to nine billion members - manage to survive the next century on a planet with finite resources, without destroying its delicate balance in the process.
- Edward Burtynsky
I can go into the wilderness and not see anyone for days and experience a kind of space that hasn't changed for tens of thousands of years. Having that experience was necessary to my perception of how photography can look at the changes humanity has brought about in the landscape. My work does become a kind of lament.
- Edward Burtynsky
Water, like many other resources, is harvested, transported and used throughout all aspects of society. Unlike other resources, water is critical to the survival of all forms of life. The underlying question that sits at the core of my exploration is to what degree can we shape water before it begins to shape us.
- Edward Burtynsky
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