Ocean Heroes » YachtWorld Hero Nominee

DAVID ROCKEFELLER Jr, Founder, Sailors for the Sea

Jessica Muffett — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 10:24:11 +0000

Who is Your Hero?

Sailors for the Sea, which “educates and engages the boating community in the worldwide protection of the oceans,” was the outcome of David Rockefeller’s work on the Pew Oceans Commission, which identified profound and alarming ocean health issues. As an avid sailor with a life-long love of the ocean and a philanthropist with a keen interest in environmental issues, David envisioned an organization that would educate the boating community about these ocean health issues and lead boaters to protect the waters we all love.

How has your Nominees efforts made a difference for the better?

Their flagship programs – Clean Regattas, Rainy Day Kits, and Certified Sea Friendly – directly engage boaters in fulfilling their vision. Their Ocean Watch Essays, are monthly articles that discuss current ocean health issues with with opportunities to take action. Their Clean Boating section lists steps boaters can take to reduce their environmental impact. Their link library of non profit organizations dedicated to a specific realm of conservation are proudly promoted here.

How will being recognized as a YachtWorld Hero further your nominee’s cause?

YachtWorld’s access to the recreational boater will engage the boating community in the worldwide protection of the oceans.

Please share any website or online articles about your nominee’s activities.

David Rockefeller, Jr. receives award for 2013 YachtWorld Hero from Ian Atkins, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Dominion Marine Media

http://www.yachtworld.com/boat-content/2014/02/a-man-for-all-seas-david-rockefeller-jr-is-the-yachtworld-hero-for-2013/

http://blog.boats.com/2014/02/david-rockefeller-jr-wins-yachtworld-hero-award/#.UvzwpnlYkmw

http://youtu.be/YnkZU13vtu0

http://vimeo.com/85969720

Sailorsforthesea.org

Facebook.com/SailorsfortheSea

Twitter.com/SailorsforSea

David Rockefeller, Jr. was nominated by John Burnham, of Dominion Marine Media in the category of Defending our Oceans.

Matt Rutherford, Ocean Research Project

Jessica Muffett — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 23:07:48 +0000

Who is Your Hero?

In 2012, Matt Rutherford became the first person to solo circumnavigate North and South America. He completed the non-stop 27,000 mile journey in 10 months in a tiny, old sailboat. Solotheamericas.org

Matt has embarked on a new project, oceanresearchproject.org, that aims to make ocean research more affordable. The typical running costs for scientific research in the open ocean is between $6,000 and $15,000 a day, depending on the organization. With Ocean Research Project they have a daily running cost of $112 a day.

Together with scientist Nicole Trenholm, Matt completed the Atlantic Garbage patch expedition on August 15, 2013. They spent 80 days at sea collecting data at 40 survey sites over 2,600 miles of the mid-Atlantic, sending some of the samples to the University of Japan for toxicity research and others to a lab to check the plastic for bacteria which shouldn’t be there. They are also quantifying the data to see just how much of this plastic is out there. They shot footage during the expedition and are creating a educational based adventure documentary. Next they will create a 3 day lesson plan, which will be interrogated into the Maryland public school system teaching thousands of 5th to 7th graders about the problems of plastics in the ocean. On April 1, 2014 they are leaving on another expedition – sailing from California to Japan non-stop doing marine radiation testing, filming the expedition, and repeating the education process. “We’re living in a changing economic environment; you can no longer think big boats, big crew, big budget. Instead, a non-profit should think small boat, small crew, small budget. By doing this, you not only reduce the cost of the expedition, but also the overhead.”

How has your Nominees efforts made a difference for the better?

Matt has already proven that he does what he sets out to do with his solo circumnavigation of the world. During the upcoming first of three new expeditions, Matt and his crew will be at sea for 75 days collecting data, while sailing 6,500 miles of the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean is home to the Atlantic Garbage Patch and coincides with one of the five major oceanic gyres. The Sargasso Sea Gyre is a huge spiral of seawater formed by colliding currents. Most offshore sailors have seen floating junk on the high seas, but it’s a problem that has not been thoroughly explored in the mid-Atlantic. It’s the poster child for one of the worldwide ocean problems: plastic that’s initially created with human hands, then ends up in the ocean, often found inside animals’ stomachs.

“I caught the bug and it’s too deeply imbedded to stop. Since I’m going to keep sailing I might as well do it in a way that gives back to the sea.”

How will being recognized as a YachtWorld Hero further your nominee’s cause?

The YachtWorld Hero nomination will bring visibility to Ocean Research Project, which aims to make ocean research more affordable. It will provide scientific data and education about the changes within our oceans to inspire people to action. Equipped with a team of expert scientists and sailors, they will embark on expeditions to some of the world’s most dynamic parts of the ocean. The expeditions will be carried out on a sailboat which is outfitted in a manner conscious of economical practicality yet environmentally-friendly to perform as a mobile research and observation station. Their scientific data and audiovisual educational mediums are used for several purposes.

Please share any website or online articles about your nominee’s activities.

http://oceanresearchproject.org

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lesleyann-coker/matt-rutherford-sailing_b_3306143.html

Matt Rutherford was nominated by Tim Claxton of Dominion Marine Media in the category of Defending our Oceans.

JOEL ABERBACH, USCG Aux

Jessica Muffett — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 21:20:07 +0000

Who is Your Hero?

Joel Aberbach has been a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 40 years, and his official title is Coast Guard Auxiliary District Seven Assistant District Staff Officer, Sea Partners and America’s Waterway Watch. Participating in numerous other Auxiliary missions from the very beginning, Joel discovered his calling in the Sea Partners program which is a part of the Auxiliary Marine Safety program. Sea Partners is an environmental education and outreach program focused on developing awareness of maritime pollution issues and marine environmental protection regulations. Joel started the program in the Miami-Dade community decades ago, and served as the marine safety officer at all levels of the Coast Guard Auxiliary organization.

In the last 40 years, Joel Aberbach has volunteered a conservative estimate of approximately 25,000 hours. These volunteer hours were spent informing and educating fellow Auxiliarists, the recreational boating public, and the general public, both adults and children, about protecting and preserving our marine environment. Joel Aberbach truly is a hero and is the District 7 Coast Guard Auxiliary’s nominee to be your YachtWorld hero.

How has your Nominees efforts made a difference for the better?

Striving to inform a new environmentally responsible generation, Joel traveled the state of Florida many times over to educate and assist numerous Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers in starting an active Sea Partners program in their geographical area. As a direct result of his efforts, he and his team reached over 10,000 youth in the Miami-Dade 2012 summer camps program and the Miami-Dade school career day programs. Due to lack of funding of summer camps in 2013, that figure was somewhat reduced this past year but remained strong. Joel not only personally attends many of these events and presentations, but he recruits and trains a Sea Partners team each year to participate.

In addition, he has personally rescued injured and ill turtles and other marine life from the bays and oceans. He helps to coordinate a proper newborn turtle release annually into the ocean, educating, informing, and thrilling attendees at this event.

Preventing pollution at the numerous marinas in Dade County, Joel works with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as well as other Auxiliary members to educate and assist marina management and staff in implementing all requirements of the Clean Marina Program which is a private partnership with strong federal and state support. Joel also coordinates and participates in the final inspections of the marinas for their Clean Marina designation.

For the International Coastal Cleanup Day held the third Saturday in September each year, Joel coordinates five cleanup sites in the Miami-Dade area. His volunteer activities include recruiting and training the leaders for each of the sites, ensuring promotion to all Coast Guard Auxiliary members in the county, and encouraging local merchants to donate volunteer water and lunch. To increase participation, he also acquires free access and parking for volunteers to go to Miami Sea Aquarium.

Throughout all of these activities, Joel continually sends educational updates to his extensive database of Auxiliarists who then forward the information to their own networks. The articles that Joel provides on local exotic species, changes in marine environmental laws, articles on garbage dumping in the oceans as it relates to the tourist trade, the local economy, and the health of swimmers and animals ensures that the community at large is kept apprised of important environmental information.

How will being recognized as a YachtWorld Hero further your nominee’s cause?

Recognizing Auxiliarist Joel Aberbach as a YachtWorld Hero would generate articles in The Miami Herald and other local publications affording much welcome publicity to school career days and summer camps, as well as reinforcing the importance of educating the public about protecting the marine environment. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary public education courses emphasizing the need to protect our waterways and prevent damage and pollution to our marine environments would also be promoted. Further, new recruits to the Coast Guard Auxiliary would be attracted by the publicity of these important missions.

Please share any website or online articles about your nominee’s activities.

http://cgaux.org

http://www.uscga-district-7.org/#
http://a07006.uscgaux.info/helm/helm-summer-2010.pdf
http://www.uscga-district-7.org/PDF/2009-D-7-Connection-Fall.pdf
http://www.examiner.com/article/summer-camps-miami-dade-are-fun-educational-and-possibly-life-saving
http://www.uscga-district-7.org/PDF/2008-D-7-Connection-Fall.pdf
http://photo.miamiherald.videos.vmixcore.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=1528823&item_index=12&top=1&sort=pop
http://videos.miamiherald.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=1528823&item_index=10489&all=1&sort=NULL

Joel Aberbach was nominated by John D. Tyson, District 7 Commodore, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 7th District, in the category Defending our Oceans.

JEANNE SOCRATES, 3X Circumnavigator

Jessica Muffett — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 20:08:08 +0000

Who is Your Hero?

This year Jeanne Socrates completed a singlehanded, nonstop circumnavigation at age 70. This was after another two previous circumnavigations met unfortunate ends. Her first ended in a beaching and loss of her boat and during the second she was badly knocked down off Cape Horn and encountered major problems with repairs, but managed to regroup and start again, finally circumnavigating around all Five Great Capes on her way to re-starting her nonstop attempt. Her achievement proves what most of us know, perseverance is paramount in everything. It also proved what not everyone knows, that age and gender need not get in the way of that kind of remarkable physical challenge. photo credit: YACHT/Kevin Light

How has your Nominees efforts made a difference for the better?

There is nothing better for encouraging people than to give them a hero. Joshua Slocum, Sir Francis Chichester, Eric and Susan Hiscock and others have inspired countless people not just to sail, but to tackle amazing challenges. Taking up singlehanded sailing at an age when many people are looking for a retirement home sets a tremendous example for people of all ages.

How will being recognized as a YachtWorld Hero further your nominee’s cause?

For Socrates’ amazing achievements, it’s surprising she has not gotten more recognition, especially in the U.S. She is open and eager to talk and share her story, and has a schedule of speaking engagements lined up. Many more people should hear her story and be inspired.

Please share any website or online articles about your nominee’s activities.

http://www.svnereida.com/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2362101/Jeanne-Socrates-70-oldest-woman-sail-solo-round-world-non-stop.html

P052-056_YAM_JUN13-1

Jeanne Socrates was nominated by Kurt M. Hoehne, Navigator at nwyachting.com in the category of Joy of Boating Crusader.

photo image YACHT/Kevin Light

BETSY DAVIS, CENTER FOR WOODEN BOATS

Jessica Muffett — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 22:12:26 +0000

Who is Your Hero?

Betsy is a unique and vivacious personality with an infectious quality to engage persons of all age and skill to participate responsibly on and around the waters of the Pacific Northwest as well as the world. The number of people that pass through The Center for Wooden Boats is amazing. Betsy helps foster much needed community awareness for improved health of our waters. Deserved recognition will only help increase the numbers of responsible persons. Guilty by association?

Following a career in high tech, Betsy Davis came to lead The Center for Wooden Boats after she attended the boatbuilding program at a local community college and participated in the restoration of her own boat. That story is at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq95NreP1Qc&feature=youtu.be The Center for Wooden Boats is positioned in a rapidly growing neighborhood in Seattle, which has brought it into the spotlight – here is a recent interview with Betsy on the Seattle channel: http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=3121233

How has your nominee’s efforts made a difference for the better?

The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) provides hands-on experiences in small boats right in the heart of downtown Seattle. Over 100,000 people visit CWB each year and over 5,000 people get out on the water for free on Sunday afternoons thanks to volunteer skippers. Over 3,000 young people get on the water in field trips each year (a third on scholarships) and several hundred participate in dinghy sailing classes. Several hundred adults learn to sail each year under the direction of dedicated volunteers and several thousand people rent traditional boats to sail with friends and family. CWB emphasizes outreach to underserved youth by partnering with case workers from youth service agencies as illustrated in this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDBGxwBqEQ8 . CWB’s programs create access to an “urban wilderness” right in the heart of the City, and build awareness of the natural environment. CWB’s field trip program “The Significance of Salmon” young people get on the water and test the water quality, learning about the relationship of human activity and natural resources. CWB also introduces about 8,000 young people each year to woodworking and the use of tools as they build toy boats. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YADXNv6BSWw . CWB’s Job Skills Training program for underserved youth ages 16-20 builds employment skills as well as boatbuilding and boat handling skills – transforming lives and galvanizing staff and volunteers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jIHRwxlRTM

CWB has been recognized as the #1 year-round community sailing center in the country by U. S. Sailing (2009), by the Waterfront Center for Excellence for its grass-roots efforts to build community access to the waterfront (2010) and with a national award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History (2011). More detail is available in CWB’s annual report: http://cwb.org/assets/2013/10/FINAL-2012-Annual-Report-Letter.pdf

How will being recognized as a YachtWorld Hero further your nominee’s cause?

Increased social awareness of water related activities, traditional boat construction techniques and related environmental responsibilities increases social responsibility. Being recognized will expand the awareness base of the Center for Wooden Boats and hopefully increase the flow of people wanting to learn creatively through its free access programs.

The Center for Wooden Boats provides the broadest range of the community with an immediate way to experience the natural world without belonging to a yacht club or owning a boat. The organization was founded over 30 years ago on the back deck of the founder’s houseboat, and has grown incrementally over the years thanks to broad support from volunteers and grass-roots community members. Recognition as a YachtWorld Hero would help build the visibility of this important community resource to ensure it has the resources to continue delivering on its mission programs for generations to come.

Please share any website or online articles about your nominee’s activities.

Center for Wooden Boats

http://seattletimes.com/text/2021345236.html

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Center-for-Wooden-Boats-keeps-the-past-afloat-1271861.php

http://www.pressure-drop.us/forums/content.php?1300-Seattle-s-Center-For-Wooden-Boats-Hunting-Ghosts-in-Lake-Union

Betsy Davis was nominated by Michael Rancourt, The Yacht Pirate Syndicate, in the category of Joy of Boating Crusader.

BILL BAHEN, Sail Nauticus

Jessica Muffett — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 22:11:28 +0000

Who is Your Hero?

Bahen is the founder and former director of Hudson River Community Sailing in New York City and now oversees the development of a summer sailing academy and afterschool programs on the Nauticus campus aimed at underserved youth, as well as sailing outings for adults during weekends and evenings. Proceeds from Sail Nauticus programs enable youth, who may not otherwise have the opportunity, develop academic and leadership skills through sailing and maritime sciences.

How has your nominee’s efforts made a difference for the better?

Bahen founded Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS) to serve the urban community of New York City with an emphasis on youth education that provides enriching maritime access through the medium of sailing. HRCS was the first community sailing program able to offer a year of academic after school programming using sailing and boat building as method of teaching. Upon completion of each section of this program, HRCS students earned credit in school in math, science and physical education.

How will being recognized as a YachtWorld Hero further your nominee’s cause?

Studies of established sailing programs in other port cities have proven that sailing instruction aimed at disadvantaged youth significantly improves academic performance. Sail Nauticus’ major goal is to provide a positive influence for our region’s at-risk youth and community through challenging year-round academic programming in both water- and classroom-based settings.

With more recognition about the program, Mr. Bahen and Nauticus may have the opportunity to promote the program more broadly. Sail Nauticus was able to launch initially thanks to a charitable gift from Mrs. Jane Batten to support operations and programming for three years. Students will learn to sail on Harbor 20 sailboats, fixed keel boats with small motors, which can be safely maneuvered out of the active shipping lanes and into more recreational areas of the river and bay. The Center will also operate the schooner Virginia, and incorporate the tall ship into its STEM-based curriculum and summer camp programming.

Please share any website or online articles about your nominee’s activities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7RskZdmIkI

http://www.sailingmagazine.net/news/features/1062-new-sailorsbig-city

http://insidebiz.com/news/first-person-bill-bahen

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/home/525309-sail-nauticus-plans-june-launch-in-virginia

http://www.sailnauticus.org/#!in-the-news/c2c9

Bill Bahen was nominated by Courtney Chalmers of Dominion Marine Media, in the category of Joy of Boating Crusader.

CAPTAIN WINSTON JOYCE-CLARK, Project BigFish

Jessica Muffett — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 18:34:48 +0000

Who is Your Hero?

Captain Winston goes above and beyond the call of duty to help people in need. When cyclone Evan wrecked Fiji mid December 2012, Winston was presented with a concept to move aid, and he immediately recognized the good his action would do for the people of Fiji and potentially save lives. Together with his crew of seven on the motor yacht Big Fish, Winston responded to a call from YachtAid Global to immediately mount a relief effort for victims in Fiji, and deliver supplies gathered by New Zealand group Superyacht Support. Coordinated with support from Yacht Partners Fiji and Fiji”s National Emergency Operation Center and Fiji Red Cross, an impressive two tons of medical supplies, clothes, school supplies, food and water were then distributed. Fiji Newspaper headlines read “Super Yacht Brings Help”.

How has your Nominees efforts made a difference for the better?

Winston moved tons of relief aid from Auckland to Fiji. His simple action introduced immediate measurable relief for the people of Fiji.

How will being recognized as a YachtWorld Hero further your nominee’s cause?

Winston executed a notable project and firmly proves the hidden potential for the Superyacht fleet to move aid in times of need. If Winston is recognized as a hero he will attract attention and inspire other super yachts to do what he does.

Please share any website or online articles about your nominee’s activities.

projectbigfish.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfRFpZs4JAA&feature=youtu.be

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10855756

http://megayachtnews.com/2012/12/yachtaid-global-megayacht-big-fish-cyclone-evan-relief/#axzz2FkWrER1n

Captain Winston Joyce-Clark was nominated by by Captain Mark Drewelow of YachtAidGlobal.org, for the category Marine Industry Professional Changing the World.

BETSY ALISON, USSailing.org

Jessica Muffett — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 20:00:11 +0000

Who is Your Hero?

Betsy Alison has dedicated her life to disabled sailing, and is the Paralympic Coach for the US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider, and in 2011 was inducted into the US Sailing Hall of Fame. An amazing woman who has introduced many to the sport of sailing, she is incredibly supportive, encouraging and motivating, an inspiring sailor for all. The Paralympic teams have brought home Olympic medals under her coaching. Her focus is the development of national team athletes in the three Paralympic sailing events in preparation for the 2016 Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and beyond. Betsy is a five-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year and was inducted in the 2011 inaugural class of the National Sailing Hall of Fame. She was twice honored as USOC Coach of the Year 1999 and 2008. Betsy has brought newly injured veterans into the world of boating, sailing, competing, living.

How has your Nominees efforts made a difference for the better?

Betsy inspires and motivates many, who may otherwise not believe they could even get in a boat, to go way beyond their perceived limits and soar to new heights and abilities. She has helped to build bridges between those with disabilities and those who are able bodied, building a greater sense of community and understanding. Well liked and respected by those who have the privilege to know and work with her, Betsy is a strong and successful coach. The main image shown is of Betsy with with the late John Ross-Duggan, a double Bronze medalist from the Paralympics in Atlanta and Athens.

How will being recognized as a YachtWorld Hero further your nominee’s cause?

Recognition will help get the word out to many people about the work that Betsy and adaptive.ussailing.org is doing in the sport of disabled sailing. Building more understanding, inspiration and tolerance within a larger community, to see people as people, not as a person with a disability, will help our blue planet be a better place to live.

Please share any website or online articles about your nominee’s activities.

Adaptive Sailing US Sailing

National Sailing Hall of Fame Inductee

http://fairplayinternational.org/cifp/fair-play-award-winners/2010/08/09/684#.UmABr1TD-ic

http://www.abilitymagazine.com/Paralympic-Sailing.html

http://www.bluetoad.com/article/Betsy+Alison+%26+Disabled+Sailors+Teach+One+Another,+On+And+Off+The+Water/1445889/0/article.html, http://www.sosgala.org/homepage/special-guest/

http://www.sosgala.org/homepage/special-guest/

Betsy Allison was nominated by Debra Frenkel of Freedom Waters Foundation.

PATRICK RYNNE, Waterlust.org

Jessica Muffett — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 00:16:59 +0000

Credit: Stephen Broadbelt

Who is Your Hero?

Patrick Rynne’s Waterlust.org is in its infant stages, but they have already stirred up plenty of attention. He is bringing scientists, explorers, athletes, water sport lovers, and art together in the pursuit of raising awareness how one person can positively impact our ocean environmental crisis by inspiring and educating others with films and photos. They make films and more importantly teach people how to be filmmakers, enabling them to create more ocean environmental awareness than they could on their own. Waterlust.org is creating an online community of water lovers/protectors by providing an online venue to share films and images.

How has your Nominees efforts made a difference for the better?

Patrick Rynne and his filmmakers film all over the world, and are using facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram to promote awareness and #share the lust.

How will being recognized as a YachtWorld Hero further your nominee’s cause?

As a group of graduate students, they have literally zero budget. “Zilch. Nada. Finito”. Exposure as a YachtWorld Hero will inspire more people to share their ocean films and images for everyone to view.

Please share any website or online articles about your nominee’s activities.

http://waterlust.org/Waterlust.html

http://instagram.com/waterlust

https://www.facebook.com/waterlustproject

http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/news-events/press-releases/2012/waterlust-project-brings-creativity-self-expression-wider-reach-for-researc

Patrick Rynne was nominated by Tim Claxton of Seattle, WA, in the category Defending our Oceans.

CHRIS JORDAN, Midwayfilm.com, a message from the gyre

Jessica Muffett — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:51:20 +0000

Who is Your Hero?

Chris Jordan’s film MidwayFilm.com, about the plight of the Laysan albatross, so far brings light to an area of severe abuse to creatures that have no advocates. As recently as the tsunami in Japan, with its dire impact on Humanity, nothing about the impact it had on these beautiful creatures received a sound bite of recognition after it wiped out 210,000 of the Albatross on Midway. Chris Jordan’s film can be an introduction to this topic, to a public who needs to know, that their packaging that brings life giving products to them, brings death to sea birds and marine life worldwide.

How has your nominee’s efforts made a difference for the better?

Consider how accepted whale oil was as an industry until oil was discovered in the ground in Pennsylvania a little over one hundred fifty years ago. Great news for whales,not so good for the planet as the by product of this oil became plastic an industry that has grown to staggering size with yet to be determined impacts. If we can learn anything from the whales it is to find an alternate product to plastic and other oil based products. Chris. photographer and artist, makes this clear with few words and powerful visual images.

How will being recognized as a YachtWorld Hero further your nominee’s cause?

The more attention drawn to this subject the better, particularly for the recreational boater who has opportunities to spread awareness of this film and curtail the plastics pollution in their boating communities. The effects of humanities lack of effective use of its resources (Plastic and oil based products) becomes obvious as this future movie will show.

Artist’s Statement

On Midway Atoll, a remote cluster of islands more than 2000 miles from the nearest continent, the detritus of our mass consumption surfaces in an astonishing place: inside the stomachs of thousands of dead baby albatrosses. The nesting chicks are fed lethal quantities of plastic by their parents, who mistake the floating trash for food as they forage over the vast polluted Pacific Ocean.

For me, kneeling over their carcasses is like looking into a macabre mirror. These birds reflect back an appallingly emblematic result of the collective trance of our consumerism and runaway industrial growth. Like the albatross, we first-world humans find ourselves lacking the ability to discern anymore what is nourishing from what is toxic to our lives and our spirits. Choked to death on our waste, the mythical albatross calls upon us to recognize that our greatest challenge lies not out there, but in here.

I envision our project not as being a bunch of us tramping around the island with cameras; instead I hope it will be an emotional and spiritual journey by a deeply connected group of artists, to honor the issues that Midway represents. Maybe it is not too ambitious to hope—if we can fully rise to the occasion—that we might be able to co-create a multi-media work of art that tenderly witnesses this middle point that humanity finds itself at right now. And in the eye of the storm —the apex of the Gyre—perhaps our collaborative efforts can create a container for healing that might have some small effect on the collective choice that is to come.

Please share any website or online articles about your nominee’s activities.

www.midwayfilm.com

www.midwayjourney.com

www.chrisjordan.com

http://www.prixpictet.com/portfolios/growth-shortlist/chris-jordan/statement/

Chris Jordan was nominated by Gil Donnelly of Princeville, Hi, in the category of Defending our Oceans.