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Dead BeeTradigital NFT Artwork By Edward A. Burke

"Eating Your Toys," Tradigital NFT Artwork, speaks to Colony Collapse Disorder and the dying off of the bee population worldwide. These creations and other traditional art and exhibits stem from my investigation of how rising CO2 levels contribute to the die-off of bees. Researchers found that rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere from manufacturing have caused a dramatic reduction of protein in pollen. The lack of protein in this vital food source for honey bees has reduced their reproduction ability significantly. This reduction in bees will considerably impact food resources; bees help provide approximately 60% of man's agricultural foods.

 

ARTIST: theOtherEd

TITLE: Dead Bee

DATE: 2022

MEDIUM: *Tradigital

TOOLS USED: Acrylic Paint, Graphite, Canvas, Computer

RESOLUTION: 300dpi

PRINT: Mono Print 36" x 45"

Painting Currently Available for Purchase

TITLE: Eating Your Toys

ARTIST: Edward A. Burke

DATE: 2014

MEDIUM: Acrylic Paint on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 72” x 72”

PRICE: $8,200(SOLD)

EatingYourToys_2014.jpg

CONTEXT

This work is my response to the endless pollution crisis of the world's oceans. The title "Eating Your Toys" addresses my hypothesis that our toys may have ended up as waste in our oceans when we were children.

 

The central theme revolves around the concept that these cherished childhood items, such as toy soldiers, figurines, ping pong balls, and dolls, have become part of the marine ecosystem in a harmful way. Over time, they degrade into tiny particles known as microplastics, often mistaken for food by marine creatures. This misidentification creates a ripple effect up the food chain, ultimately leading to humans unknowingly consuming these microplastics when enjoying seafood like salmon, tuna, and lobster.

 

Through this artwork, I aim to shed light on the consequences of our society's disposable culture and the long-lasting impact of plastic waste on our environment. The circular composition can be seen as a universe of or a single micro-plastic of pollutants, depending on the observation distance. At the same time, the gathering of these objects symbolizes the entrapment of our collection of childhood memories within this ecological crisis. It's a sobering reminder that we are literally "eating our toys."

 

I invite viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of our actions and the environment, inspiring even modest changes in our behavior that may provide a more sustainable approach to the world's oceans. I hope the artwork engages the audience emotionally, sparking both concern and curiosity about the fate of our planet and the discarded toys of our past.

 

Work in Porgress Fishkill NY Studio

EatingYourToyInPorgress.jpg

If you have questions about this artwork or the cost of shipping outside the U.S.,
don't hesitate to contact my studio.

CONTACT

Copyright © 2025 Edward A. Burke              

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