Using Art As A way To Motivate Change - with Lea Kannar-Lichtenberger

Did you know that flying a helicopter over glaciers causes them to melt at a faster rate? Today on the podcast, Shonelle Gleeson-Willey talks with artist Lea Kannar-Lichtenberger, who shares her insight and expertise on climate change. We hear all about this accomplished artist’s methodology, and how she effectively shares information about the environment to motivate change.

 It’s vital to deliver educational material and information on climate change in a way that can best be absorbed by the audience, and Lea has been successful at dispersing and amplifying information in a way that promotes interest, inquiry, and ultimately action. 

 As an environmental artist, Lea examines topics such as human consumerism and its effect on islands. She uses print, photography, video and sound installations to create meaningful conversation about environmental topics, exploring and expressing her impressions through her profoundly moving art. 

 Lea Kannar-Lichtenberger studied at University of Sydney Australia, reviewing a Master of Contemporary Art as well as a Master of Fine Art. She’s an “artist at large,” embedding herself in various environmental frameworks instead of creating all of her art in a studio. Her work has been exhibited all over Australia, the U.S., and Taiwan. She also shares about getting to workshop with Al Gore in 2019.

 We’re privileged to hear the personal story behind some of her art on today’s episode. Her past works include observing and depicting humans’ behavior while they’re on holiday on various islands. She creates visceral memories with immersive installations, which is a very effective way to raise awareness about environmental issues and concerns in those observing her art.

 Lea’s heart and passion for environmental change is evident as she tells of her copious time sailing the oceans with environmental justice groups and seeing the effect of pollutants and chemical plastics in the waters. She paints a picture of nets, gloves and film canisters littering a beach near a penguin colony, and pulls us into her zeal for restoration as she describes the emotions that inspired her art during a visit to Antartica. With no single governing body limiting tourism to Antartica, and vessels carrying upwards of 500 tourists at a time now regularly venturing to the area, her urgent concern is contagious, relevant and inspiring.

 Lea’s amazing goal of creating art in order to spur discourse is beautifully described in her talk at the Royal Society of NSW, one of many lectures she’s been invited to give around the world. Be sure to follow her important work as she continues to spread the message of conservation.

 https://royalsoc.org.au/events-news/news-2021/recent-events-now-on-youtube-april-2021 

 https://www.leakannar.com