Eastern Illinois University professor Expresses Environmental concerns through artwork

Photo provided by Professor Ann Coddington

NORMAL, Ill. – Whether it’s reducing, reusing or recycling to help create a better and healthier planet, Eastern Illinois University Professor Ann Coddington expresses a new way to spread the message.

Over the last few weeks, Professor Coddington had her artwork displayed at the Joe McCauley Gallery at Heartland Community College. During the exhibit, she primarily displayed her artwork through handmade weaved baskets.

Coddington said, “My work in this particular series is called the Albatross series and I made these shape, and when I finished the shape I would fill it with plastic. There are about 10 different variations of these creations, about half of them half x-rays next to the piece so you could see the plastic inside.”

By displaying the basket along with the x-rayed version of the piece, it allows for the viewer to understand the message clearer. They are able to make the connection of the piece to a real world environmental problem. Coddington is expressing the importance of becoming a more environmental friendly society.

She adds, “There are so many ways that we can reduce the amount of plastic we use if we just start thinking about it.”

Coddington stresses that most people don’t think about making the environmental change and believes the benefit it will provide.

She said, “I have to be inspired visually to speak about environmental problems in order to add an ascetic component as well as a story that people will engage in that conversation.”

Overall, Coddington’s work is meant to inspire the youth into making these environmental problems to be aware to the public and create a change in the society.

She has a full display of all her art work on her Instagram page.