It’s hard to imagine a world without copper. We rely on copper for power, lighting, heating, communications, water supply and transport. Copper makes our homes, schools and businesses efficient, comfortable, and decorative, and it lasts for many years.

This piece depicts copper pit mining happening near my reservation in Winterhaven, California. Harsh chemicals, such as sulfuric acid, are used to extract copper. Copper mining has been an issue in my area since the beginning of the 20th century. I have seen pictures and have journeyed to the mines, only to come across a sight that is horrific.

The piece depicts Mother Earth being assimilated with the progress of industrialization. I used the symbolic “Venus Figure” for the representation of the Earth mother. It is an old symbol and a very pronounced image, seen all over the world. On her breast are smokestacks that resemble factories more than mining, though you do see smokestacks in places where mining is happening. I thought that bringing a visual such as smokestacks would be appropriate.

In her belly is a representation of a pit mine with a skeletal fetus in the center. I wanted to have the image centered and with a clear message that not only is industrialization hurting the Earth, but draining the life out of its child, the next generation. It is also a representation of what methods go into extracting copper, such as the use of sulfuric acid to bring out the copper that is needed to use in many of our electrical devices, household appliances, and currency.

As an illustrator, my work gives out a straightforward message. I wanted to make the viewer see what I see. I did not want to make this into a fine art piece that would let the viewer break down the piece and analyze it. I wanted this piece to stand out and let you, the viewer, see what is there. A harsh world we have created.

Cameron Chino