Plastics Imprints

Reviews

Examining nature through a plastic lens An optical Illusion

Damian Mc Carney (The Anglo Celt Newspaper, March, 2019)

"A mesmerising seascape is immediately apparent. Your eye’s dragged in every direction across the canvas by the interplay of the tide of energetic colours and oil paint generously lathered on with a palette knife. That’s how Evelyn Sorohan’s artwork titled ‘Atlantic Ocean’ at first appears, the truth of the medium used is somewhat different.“That’s part of the deception,” delights Evelyn. “That’s good that you think that. I want people to partly be deceived, to think - gosh isn’t that a fabulous painting - and then they’re drawn in and begin to look at it and go –Gosh how is that actually made?”Evelyn’s material of choice is a second cousin of oil paint; it’s actually discarded household plastic and found plastic which she has treated and carefully applied to the composition.....

Environmental artist Evelyn Sorohan presented Plastics Imprints, a thought-provoking exhibition at Clare Museum......

The exhibition not only highlighted the ecological damage caused by plastics but also showcased the potential for creative reuse. By transforming waste into art, Sorohan encouraged meaningful conversations and her hands-on workshops centred on sustainability, conservation, and the future of our planet. Plastics Imprints was a powerful and thought-provoking show that resonated deeply with those passionate about art, nature, and the environment."

"With a playful yet thought-provoking approach, Sorohan invites deep reflection on plastics—and, more broadly, all fossil fuels. She sparks critical analysis of humanity’s role in climate change, challenging us to reconsider our impact. I am both fascinated and enthralled by her vast artistic skills and techniques, as well as her remarkable ability to intertwine art and science to tackle the greatest challenge of our time. She approaches this with optimism, dignity, social engagement, and boundless creativity."

—Eileen Sutton, Environmentalist (at the opening of my Plastic Imprints exhibition and participant in one of my workshops)

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The exhibition saw record attendance, with over 700 visitors looking and responding to my work and over 200 participating in my workshops.

Clare Museum's Director John Rattigan siad "Evelyn’s exhibition was the most successful art exhibition we have ever had, it has captivated audiences, provoking healthy debates and discussions as well as giving participants the encouragement, skills and knowledge to reduce their carbon footprints."

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Participatory art as providing most opportunities for engagement: A reflection by the Artist Evelyn Sorohan

"The participatory art dimension of this exhibition had the greatest impact on me as an artist. I realised that in the future, I needed to expand my multidisciplinary practice to further explore environmental issues, such as our ubiquitous use of plastics. One of the most surprising revelations was how few members of the public were aware that plastics are fossil-fuel-based products. I had school and community groups in for the workshops. I was fascinated as how the children brought in large bags of waste plastics and spoke excitedly about what had come inside the packaging. it brought home to me the power of advertising, colour and marketing in our capitalist world.

Interestingly, I discovered that the public had a strong interest in recycling plastics and creating art with them. Once they were presented with the science behind how plastics are made (displayed alongside the art in the exhibition space), discussions and debates flourished. These conversations extended beyond the creation of plastics to broader issues, such as the environmental damage caused by fossil fuels. Many participants expressed a desire to reduce their reliance on oil, petrol, and gas and to transition to greener energy sources.

Over 90% of participants reported that, after the workshop and the combination of creative and scientific learning, they intended to reduce their consumption of plastic items, clothing, and packaging. This was an incredibly encouraging outcome. The exhibition revealed that the public is deeply interested in the root causes of climate change". (Artist)

Many attendees spoke about their lack of knowledge and the limited opportunities they’ve had to discuss their climate-related fears. They expressed gratitude for having a safe, creative space to learn about these issues and explore potential solutions together. This experience affirmed for me the power of participatory art to spark meaningful conversations, educate, and inspire action in addressing our environmental challenges. This exhibition gave me the motivation and inspiration to

seek rich collaborations with environmental and climate scientists. It was pivotal in me leading the design and content for the later Climate Action Programmes for Schools (CAPS)

Artist Statement on Plastic Imprints

Plastic Imprints is an exhibition exploring the impact of plastic waste through thought-provoking artworks. The collection highlights plastic’s dual nature—as a symbol of human innovation and environmental crisis—through sculptures, installations, and mixed media pieces made from discarded materials.

A standout installation replicates the Atlantic Ocean entirely from reclaimed plastic, serving as a stark reminder of ocean pollution. Another compelling piece features imprints of single-use plastics, symbolizing their lasting environmental impact.

I sources plastic from shorelines and household waste, cutting, heating, and painting it to create my works.  Plastic defines 21st-century living—used in everything from play to medicine. It fascinates and abhors me in equal measure.

Beyond artistic expression, Plastic Imprints sparks conversations on sustainability. Interactive elements and my participatory workshops encourage visitors to reflect on their plastic consumption. The exhibition also underscores plastic’s role in climate change—its fossil fuel origins, energy-intensive production, and greenhouse gas emissions from disposal.

Blending art and activism, Plastic Imprints transform waste into a catalyst for change, urging us to rethink our reliance on plastic and work toward a sustainable future.

To learn more about Plastics' Role in Climate Change. Click the link below:

https://www.nrdc.org/bio/renee-sharp/hidden-fossil-fuels-plastic-production-drives-climate-change#:~:text=Many%20people%20don't%20realize,the%20disposal%20of%20plastic%20waste.

Hidden Fossil Fuels: Plastic Production Drives Climate Change

Study shows that plastic production could be nearly one third of the global carbon budget and emits four times more greenhouse gases than the airline industry.

April 23, 2024

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A new study by the U.S. federal government found that global plastic production is a major driver of climate change. The study, which was conducted by scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, estimates that by 2050 plastic production could account for between 21% to 31% of the global carbon emission budget required to limit global temperature increase to just 1.5 degrees Celsius. Currently, the industry is responsible for four times more greenhouse gas emissions than the airline industry, or about 600 coal-fired power plants.

While this is not the first analysis to highlight the connection between plastics and the climate, the stark statistics should be a wake-up call. Reducing plastic production is critical to combatting climate change.

Plastic Imprints Gallery: All pieces are made from waste fossil fueled paint and plastics

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