A story about engaging in climate action through art and storytelling by Erica Lotus, Japanese American based in the UK.
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Erica co-founded Lotus Earth Creative, an initiative to connect global artists in raising awareness and support for environmental conservation. While still in its foundational stages, the project is based on the belief that every voice matters, also the earth’s.
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Growing up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, surrounded by forests and wildlife, I developed a deep connection to the Earth. My earliest memory of climate awareness was learning about the devastating effects of pine beetle infestations, which caused forests to deteriorate under warming climates. This realisation awakened an understanding that the ecosystems I cherished were deeply intertwined with human activity and vulnerability, inspiring my desire to create a better world.
This appreciation for the natural world, enriched by my Japanese heritage and the Buddhist concept of esho funi—the oneness of life and environment—has shaped my creative purpose. As someone who identifies with the East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, I have experienced being overshadowed in spaces that prioritise dominant narratives. These experiences fuel my passion to amplify underrepresented voices, including ESEA and AAPI communities, through my art and storytelling.
My mission—to empower creativity, amplify voices, and advocate for environmentalism—drives Lotus Earth Creative. By blending art and fundraising, we aim to inspire empathy and empower individuals to see their role in the collective journey of climate action.
Art, for me, is a tool to create narratives that spark compassion and understanding rather than fear or negativity. One of my artworks, The Oneness of Life and Its Environment (2023), embodies this vision. It celebrates the interconnectedness of all life and the transformative potential of our actions. By emphasising the healing power of our choices, I hope to inspire proactive energy and hope in addressing climate challenges.
Through my work, I aim to bridge divides, inspire dialogue, and foster meaningful climate action and compassionate change.