#sustainable art movement

[2dye4neisha]

Discover Nicole Young, an eco-conscious artist dedicated to crafting art that aligns with the Earth's natural cycles.

Sustainable Artist: Nicole Young https://www.nicoleyoungart.com/ Nicole Young is an environmentally conscious artist who employs natural pigments to produce abstract art. Transitioning effortlessly between canvas pieces, expansive textile installations, garments, and delicate drawings, Nicole’s creations serve as both scientific explorations and discussions on approaches to climate justice. By…

[lake-lady]

I would have fucking THRIVED during the Arts and Crafts Movement

[drvodrveno]

Long time no see, Tumblr.. I simply forgot about this account for a while.

Here is a random picture of a birch eating spoon in the making to get things going.. sharp tools, curly shavings, focused hands and and a big, calm sense of peace inside the head.

Making is good for you, and your hands can often save your head a lot of trouble.

[k00242882]

Rebecca Manson. Artist.

I heard about this artist on the weekly podcast on the student page.

I'm blown away by her work.

Above are some of her thousands of hand crafted ceramic leaves. Titled Barbeque.

They are so realistic yet fragile.

I' have some leaves made from paper clay and I took great learning from this artist

My rose and leaves,glazed

[omegaphilosophia]

Theories on the Philosophy of Food

The philosophy of food is a multidisciplinary field that explores the various philosophical dimensions related to food, eating, and culinary practices. It delves into questions about the ethical, cultural, environmental, and existential aspects of food production, consumption, and distribution. Philosophers examine topics such as the ethics of food choices, the cultural significance of cuisine, the environmental impact of food systems, the aesthetics of food preparation, and the relationship between food and identity. Additionally, the philosophy of food considers broader issues such as hunger, food justice, food sovereignty, and the role of food in shaping human societies and relationships.

The philosophy of food encompasses various theories and perspectives that explore the ethical, cultural, and existential dimensions of food. Some of the prominent theories in this field include:

Gastronomic Essentialism: This theory posits that certain foods or culinary traditions possess inherent qualities or essences that make them valuable or meaningful. It emphasizes the authenticity and uniqueness of different cuisines and ingredients, highlighting the importance of preserving culinary traditions.

Food Ethics: Food ethics examines the moral principles and values that guide our food-related decisions and behaviors. It addresses questions about the ethical treatment of animals, environmental sustainability, food justice, and fair trade practices. Food ethics theories aim to promote ethical consumption practices and address ethical dilemmas in food production and distribution.

Slow Food Movement: The Slow Food movement advocates for a more mindful and sustainable approach to food consumption. It emphasizes the importance of local and traditional food cultures, promotes biodiversity in agriculture, and encourages people to savor and appreciate the pleasures of eating. Slow Food philosophy emphasizes the connection between food, culture, and the environment.

Veganism and Vegetarianism: Veganism and vegetarianism are dietary practices based on ethical, environmental, or health-related principles. Veganism advocates for the complete avoidance of animal products, while vegetarianism typically involves abstaining from meat but may include other animal products such as dairy and eggs. These dietary philosophies often stem from concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health.

Commensality: Commensality refers to the social and cultural significance of sharing meals together. This theory explores the rituals, symbols, and meanings associated with communal eating experiences. Commensality emphasizes the role of food in fostering social bonds, strengthening community ties, and promoting cultural identity.

Molecular Gastronomy: Molecular gastronomy is a scientific approach to cooking that explores the physical and chemical processes behind food preparation. This theory investigates the interplay between taste, texture, and aroma, using techniques such as sous vide, foams, and spherification to create innovative culinary experiences. Molecular gastronomy challenges traditional notions of cooking and gastronomic aesthetics, pushing the boundaries of culinary artistry.

Food as Art: The concept of food as art explores the aesthetic dimensions of culinary creation and consumption. This theory considers food preparation and presentation as artistic expressions, akin to painting, sculpture, or music. It highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and sensory pleasure involved in culinary endeavors, viewing food as a medium for artistic expression and cultural communication.

These are just a few examples of the diverse theories within the philosophy of food, each offering unique perspectives on the cultural, ethical, and existential significance of food in human life.

[magz]

Note: If aren't going to participate in Pro-Palestine action, do not mention it!

For accountability:

This is how Magz plans support Palestine during Global Strike January 21 to 28.

Am going to put more Palestine posts in queue, with more focus.

Am going to not spend on anything during week, nor go out (rare anyway).

Am going to not publicly post our arts and promos (of art freelance work).

Am going to read and learn more on Palestine - as there still more can learn.

Am going to be even more visibly pro-Palestinian.

Am going to continue keeping up with what's happening in Gaza.

Am going to continue boycotting products and services on BDS' Boycott List, including not giving free social media promo and good impressions.

Am going to try learn Palestinian Arabic.

Am going to describe, transcribe, and alt text posts on Palestine when possible - to make it more accessible (Am Multiply Disabled).

Am going to share ways to help.

One of shorter checklist options:

Longer checklists:

But really just do *anything* that support and raise awareness *more*, learn, or contribute. Whatever can manage do n able sustain.

If wasn't able to prepare in time, can still participate for rest of week. Is not "all or nothing", don't have to give up. Keep Palestine in your thoughts and actions !

Some links:

https://samidoun.net/2023/12/calendar-of-resistance-for-palestine-2024/

Popular Palestine Accounts:

https://www.instagram.com/motaz_azaiza/

https://www.instagram.com/wizard_bisan1/

https://www.instagram.com/everydaypalestine/

https://www.instagram.com/letstalkpalestine/

(Has graphic footage) https://www.instagram.com/eye.on.palestine/

Some Useful Posts:

Hussyknee's Palestine Masterpost

PaliPunk's Palestine MasterList

SulfurCosmos' "Palestinian Owned Companies" List (for later)

Paradox_Punch's "Pro-Palestine Brands" Twitter Thread (for later)

SulfurCosmos' "Preserving Gaza's Universities"

LoveLetter2You's Learn Palestinian Arabic Masterpost

How To Archive For Palestine

(rest of Magz's #palestine tag)

(#AltTextPalestine on Twitter)

[waffaatw]

New European Bauhaus Initiative Connects European Green Deal to Our Places and Spaces

The New European Bauhaus Initiative aims to seamlessly integrate the principles of the European Green Deal into the fabric of daily life through the harmonious fusion of culture, architecture, and design.

Read More

[femmefatalevibe]

Femme Fatale Guide: Top "Glow Up" Tips & Habits To Become The Best Version of Yourself

Prioritize the Holy Trinity: Nutrition, Movement, & Sleep. Following a whole-foods, plant-based diet with vegetables and/or fruit at every meal and limiting processed foods is one of the simplest ways to improve your overall health. Drink plenty of water, have any necessary supplements (like vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega 3s, etc.), and reduce your consumption of sugary, alcoholic, or caffeine-loaded beverages. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of walking and/or a simple 15-20 workout into your everyday routine. Make getting a full night's rest (usually 7-9 hours for most people) a non-negotiable in your life.

Practice Radical Self-Acceptance. Fully embrace your personal values. Get comfortable with your authentic desires. Define and set goals for yourself in every area of your life.

Nourish Your Body, Mind, and Spirit Consistently. Eat a healthful diet (enough food without overstuffing yourself), sleep and move enough throughout the day, and continue learning and educating yourself on current events, your industry/career field, art, culture, history, world languages, etc. Practice mindfulness and self-care activities. Honoring your sexual needs. Giving yourself at least one rest/reset day per week.

Cultivate Sustainable (and Personally-Fulfilling) Routines. Your sleep schedule, work/school schedule, workout schedule throughout the week, social and self-care time, date nights, time for your hobbies, errands, cleaning, and relaxation. Make appointments with yourself to empower you to fulfill all your daily tasks and activities to ensure you can work and play without burning yourself out in the process.

Set Boundaries. With your friends, family, work-life/professional network, romantic and sexual partners, and yourself. Understand your emotional, physical, and energetic limitations. Communicate them clearly, compassionately, and unapologetically. Cut toxic people out of your life. Avoid codependency like the plague. Nurture your healthy and supportive interdependent relationships regularly.

Learn What You Enjoy. Ensure To Incorporate These Products, Routines, and Relationships Into Your Day. It can be a piece of dark chocolate and a favorite T.V. show, a long evening phone call with a loved one, a hot bubble bath, or any other small luxury that gives you genuine pleasure and adds some necessary joy to your day.

Check In With Yourself Regularly. Pivot When Necessary. Self-improvement, goal setting, relationship building, and cultivating unshakeable self-love/life satisfaction takes time, experimentation, trial and error, and tons of self-reflection before you get it right in any area of your life. Be honest with yourself on what's work, what's not, where to remain consistent, and what areas of your life would benefit from a change.

[ladyelissarose]

‘Compromised’

Characters; Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley + Johnny ‘Soap’ McTavish

Warnings; It’s mostly pretty funny and cheesy... buuuut a little suggestive in the end ;) if y’all want a more specified warnings it’s basically two large guys in an awkward position in a sticky situation, letting their intrusive thoughts get to them.

Summary; Who thought getting into a mess of a mission would bring out inner thoughts of 2 of the 141’s most toughest soldiers?

Author’s note; This incredible art and fic idea comes from the amazing @lurrlonde !! Thank you again for being so cool! Go check out this guys art y’all!! It’s the best!!

“YOU’RE A COMPLETE IDIOT SOAP!”

“SAYS YE WHO IS A DAFT MINDED BASTARD!”

BANG BANG BANG!!!

Soap ran closely behind Ghost as he shot back at the incoming enemies, who had found their secret hiding spot after Soap let out a ‘louder than expected’ chuckle at a stupid dad-joke Ghost said. It wasn’t really funny anyways. It was a simple-

‘Why is dark spelled with ‘K’ and not a ‘C’? = because you can’t ‘C’ in the dark.’

That was literally it! But Soap was attention deprived and mentally exhausted, that the sudden boost of humor took him over and gave him the giggles. Now they were running for their lives as their position had been found and the Cartels were chasing their asses down. Ghost looked around for any place to hide in for now until Price brought backup, even if it was in a chemical closet or something similar enough. Soap grew a little worried as he could hear how close they were getting on their tails, he knew how outnumbered they were and unfortunately so it was partially his fault.

“Ghost they getting on us-“

“I know- HERE! Come!”

With a harsh jerk Ghost pulled him into a large back room and pointed at the ceiling with a gruff whisper,

“We need to get up there, climb on my shoulders!”

Without asking questions Soap read Ghost’s mind and immediately stepped onto his broad shoulders once he had crouched down enough. Ghost held onto Soap’s legs tightly and slowly lifted himself to a complete stand, ushering him with words to hurry up.

“Hurry Soap, we only have so long.”

“I know Lt. But this vent is all screwed up tight!”

Soap used his knife to unscrew it, sweat dripping down from his hair and covering his entire being from the stress and slight fear he was feeling. Ghost held on tightly and didn’t budge at all, his strength not faltering for now, he was breathing a little harder, but that was it. Near by they could hear loud slamming of doors being opened, meaning they were checking every room. Ghost bit onto his mask and whispered to Soap with concern in his tone,

“Johnny-“

“Got it!! Ok ok I’m pulling up!”

Soap was pretty tough himself and successfully he was able to climb in immediately, his hand now dropping to Ghost as he spoke confidently,

“C‘mon! I got ya mate- hurry!”

Ghost worried for a moment that Soap might not be able to pull him up, as he was much taller and buffier, but he’d have to trust him as he heard louder shouts.

“There’s 4 more rooms left! Check them out now!”

Eyes wide with desperation Soap choked,

“N-Now Ghost!”

With a deep grunt Ghost jumped and caught Soap’s hand, hearing him gasp at the weight he now held and tried to pull up. Maybe on any other day Soap might have had a little struggle, but the fear was so big, it gave enough adrenaline to pull him all the way up. Ghost was pretty surprised but grateful.

Soap dragged him inside and immediately put back the vent cover, making sure it was in perfect place before settling himself in. Only bad thing was, the place was a little compact for two big guys. Soap was left sitting under Ghost who was standing in a squatting position over him. Soap felt just fine but he snapped into Ghost’s reality when he heard him mumble,

“I’ve got to fuckin’-“

thonk!!!

“Shit!! Don’t move Simon!”

Of course air vents were made weak and super cheap to only sustain air, and not necessarily take two tower-built soldiers. With the little movement Ghost had attempted, the whole thing shook and threatened to bent under his foot. Silence filled the area as they awaited their biggest fear of going down and being caught.

“...”

“...”

BANG!!

Both men had their hearts beating wildly in their throats as they heard the Cartel under them, searching the entire area (well they thought they did;) Through the mask Ghost’s nervous expression couldn’t be read, but he knew he must’ve looked exactly like Soap who had his eyes blown wide and his face completely pale. It only took a few more minutes until they listened to great news,

“This room is clear! Two guards stay at this door. The rest go to the next then check the perimeter!!”

The sound of loud stomps of running men grew less and less until it couldn’t be heard, only sound remaining were the sighs the soldiers let out at being safe and unseen for now. Johnny shifted a bit and let out a breath of relief, as he looked up to Ghost and asked,

“Ye alright LT?”

Ghost’s eyes locked on his as he curtly replied,

“Yes Sergeant.”

Soap knew that voice, and tone. He thought that perhaps Ghost was still very upset at the whole situation, so he chose to apologize,

“M’sorry LT. ‘bout all this.. I’ll make it up to ya.”

Brown eyes met his blue ones as a low voice responded more calmly but with that same intensity in it,

“It’s not your fault Johnny, we both messed up.”

Soap let a brow perk up as he questioned,

“Are ye upset though?”

Through his eyes Soap could see that Ghost was uncomfortable or that something big was wrong, hence making him keep on asking. Ghost rolled his eyes and muttered,

“Why do you keep asking Soap-“

“I can see it in your eyes Simon, you keep squintin’ and shit, huffing loudly and all. Did ya get shot?”

Ghost muttered a simple ‘no’ and looked away from Soap, bitting his tongue at the stinging pain he felt in his thighs, squatting the entire time was beginning to take a toll on him and leave him burning. But he’d rather die than admit it, he was a tough guy. So slightly he tried to move a bit, but with the soreness and burn of it all he let out a deep groan and stopped moving.

“Agh.. fuckin hell-“

“What is it LT?”

Ghost tired to move his legs a bit but they burned so much like if someone was laying a steaming pan on his thighs. Soap looked up at him with his baby blues and asked again with concern,

“Lt? Ya good?”

Simon was dreading to confess the truth behind why he was groaning an shifting uncomfortably, but Johnny was genuinely being very nice, and would probably be understanding too. Concerning the fact that it was his fault they were there in the first place. Simon’s rolled his eyes and finally huffed out,

“My legs are burnin’ Johnny.. in this position. And I can’t sit cause there’s no room... might make a lot of noise too-“

Heat rose up to Simon’s cheeks as he was cut off of words, at the feeling of two hands press up against his bottom, and lift him up slightly. He couldn’t be oblivious or stupid and ask himself,

‘Who the heck has their hands on my ass?’

Because only he and ‘Johnny’ were in the damn air vent. But he nonetheless asked this, as he didn’t know what else to say at the unexpected act,

“Johnny.. what the fock-“

Johnny unapologetically gave a light squeeze as to emphasize what he was doing while responding defensively,

“Lt you said you wanted to sit but couldn’t.. now I’m helpin’ ya. See?”

Another light squeeze*

Breath hitching and sweating out nervousness, Simon could only sigh out,

“A’ight Johnny, just no squeezing.”

“Why?”

Wha- why? Johnny it’s my ass-“

“But I’m helping ya Lt-“

“And that’s it-“

“I get to do whatever I want with this ass as I’m holding it up on my own will Simon-“

“It’s still my ass and I said don’t-“

Squeeze*

“Soap. No.”

“But-“

“I get you’ve been eyeballin’ my arse sense the first day but c’mon.”

Johhny’s bit back a gasp,

“You knew!”

Huffing lightly Ghost stated,

“I’m quiet but not stupid Jonnny.”

A small embarrassed smile took place on Johnny at his words, adding with hesitation,

“oh... is it ok?”

“I’s more than fine Johnny, just not now-“

“But it’s the perfect time!”

“For whot exactly Sergeant?”

Simon knew exactly to the ‘T’ what Johnny was referring to, but he wanted him to say it. Johnny’s cheeks grew a little pink, and his eyes were sparkling like a puppy’s, ever so desperate but shy all at once to say his inner desires. Simon laughed internally at this Scot’s sudden shyness, as he was always so loud and out-spoken. Though he knew he wouldn’t mind a little fun, he couldn’t deny that the Scottish blue-eyed soldier was on his mind half- no more than all the time, Johnny practically lived in his head.

Ghost inched his hand towards Soap’s face and caressed it, feeling peace at his actions when Soap leaned into his touch.

“I know Johnny... but there’s other times for it- like safer.”

With a simple nod Soap agreed. But he couldn’t resist the feeling of Ghost’s ass in his hold, giving him the sudden urge of tease to bring his hands closer to the crotch, all while watching Ghost closely for his reaction- which came fast. And unexpectedly his quickest reflex was to grasp Soap’s Mohawk tightly, earning him a whimper.

‘Jesus Soap you’ll be the death of me.’

“J-Johnny! Please, I will grow hard-“

Smirking wickedly Soap teased,

“What if that’s what I want? Hm? Then I’ll have a reason to help you out...”

Being impressed wasn’t the word to describe how Ghost felt, more like flustered and very hot now.

“Smart bastard.”

“Only the best Lt-“

And with that he rubbed Ghost’s entire crotch area with his palm, receiving a jerk of Ghost’s hips and a low moan,

“Ahh Johnny.. slow down.”

“Yeahhh give me a minute. Let’s move a bit.”

Soap extended his knees towards Ghost and let them hold him up now, like a chair. Ghost sighed in relief at being seated now, and thought that was the end of it until he heard a zipper and hands on him.

ziiiip!

“Fuck Johnny!”

“Do you want me to stop?”

Knowing how desperate he was for release- more than anything Soap’s hands on him, he couldn’t say no.

“No.. go on!”

Face lighting up like Christmas Soap cheered to himself,

“Fuuuuck yeahhh-“

“GHOST! SOAP!! You boys alright!!”

Soap facepalmed and Ghost groaned upset as they recognized Price’s voice call out to them from under the vent. With a frown Soap zipped up Ghost’s pants as Ghost responded,

“Yeah, were good.. we’ll be coming down now.”

“Alright boys! Gaz will be here with a ladder... we already took out the guys and secured the leader... we can go now.”

Soap responded,

“Sounds good Captain, on our way.”

Slowly Ghost started to move, but Johnny pulled him back and whispered,

“We’ll continue right?”

A smile was known to be on Ghost’s face as his eyes crinkled. He lightly pinched Soap’s cheek and sassed,

“You said you’d make it up to me. I expect you do, in many ways.”

Soap groaned and smacked Ghost’s ass as he began to move off to get out,

“You bet I will Simon.”

Ghost looked back at him with sharp eyes, making Soap lift his hands in surrender.

“Easy Sergeant... easy...”

[luxapollo]

Non-traditional things I associate with Apollo

.Guitars (awesome stringed instrument I believe He adores)

.Canaries (they're small, yellow, and sing!)

.Modern vaccines (a natural counterpoint to his plague association)

.YouTube (He would /so/ have a YouTube channel)

.Hospitals, modern Western medicine (obvious reasons)

.Courtrooms (This feels more like Zeus and Athena's domain, but Apollo gives me a similar sense of order and justice; He appreciates a well-run courtroom)

.Air purifiers for indoor spaces; respirator masks (effective defenses against airborne diseases such as Covid)

.Angelic aesthetic (who says a pagan deity can't appropriate some Biblical themes, hey?)

.Janitors, other public and private cleaners (they are critical for maintaining a healthy environment)

.Teachers (Apollo is a guide for the youth, just as teachers strive to be)

.Certain cat species: housecats, cheetahs, and lions

.Transmasculinity

.Sunflowers

.The Solarpunk movement/aesthetic (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-07/solarpunk-design-architecture-sustainable-future/103667452 ; https://www.climate-kic.org/solarpunk-speculative-fiction-climate-optimists/)

.Art Nouveau aesthetic

Fellow Apollo devotees, feel free to include your own associations with Apollo!

*Above Solarpunk art credited to Owen Carson

[2dye4neisha]

The Mushroom Revolution that is Bringing Change

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240205-the-mushroom-revolution-thats-bringing-change

[racefortheironthrone]

Now you mentioned i, I am a bit surprised Smallville is prominently and consistently in Kansas? It's Smallville, Kansas. There might be others and certainly cities located vaguely within a real region, but it's definitely the first fictional town or city of D.C. in a real-world American state to come to mind.

So this gets to the weirdness of D.C geography. When Superman was first established, there was much less of a cohesive "universe," so if Siegel and Shuster wanted Superman to specifically be raised in Kansas, that's where he was from and the rest of the geography would have to work itself out.

IMO, this early slapdash approach to world-building has (over time) led to some things that just don't make sense to me as a student of urban history and urban studies:

Metropolis shouldn't be in Delaware. It doesn't make sense in terms of urbanization, given the context of an already-crowded Northeastern Corridor - Delaware simply does not have the capacity to sustain a city of 11 million people, and you wouldn't get a municipality of that size right next door to New York City (as well as D.C's other fictional cities in the area). The whole idea of Metropolis and Gotham being across the river/bay from each other has never really worked for me; you can still do Superman/Batman team-up stories no matter where they are, because Superman can fly and Batman has his own personal fighter jets.

More importantly, it doesn't make sense in terms of historic patterns of urban migration. Moving to the big city in search of the American Dream is a big part of the Clark Kent story, but historically people moving from rural to urban areas overwhelmingly go to the nearest large city, depending on how transportation networks are arranged, whether we're talking about train lines or direct flights or highways or bus routes. There is a reason we can track regional movements of black communities during the Great Migration, because who went where depended on which train lines ran through which states:

This is why I've always felt that, while Metropolis has aesthetically been associated with New York City, it logically should be Chicago. It is the biggest city in the Midwest, one very much associated with robber baron industrialists and corruption at the highest levels, and absolutely stuffed with art deco architecture for Superman to pose on top of. Up until the Tribune Company began to strip it for parts, it's also been a major newspaper town with a long tradition of muck-raking investigative journalism that would inspire a starry-eyed cub reporter like Clark. As one of the original transit hubs and the U.S' own "nature's metropolis," it is precisely the place that a Kansas farm boy would hop a train to, because all trains go to Chicago. Also, culturally I like it better that Clark Kent represents the City of Wide Shoulders whereas Bruce Wayne is the typical Tri-State Area Type-A personality.

Going back to D.C's bizarro Northeast geography, I likewise have an issue with Gotham being in New Jersey...if New York City is also supposed to be a major metropolitan area in the D.C universe. Just as Delaware would struggle to support a city of 11 million people, it would be very difficult to grow Gotham into a city of 10 million people so close to the gravity well of the Greater New York Metro Area. New Jersey is a pretty urbanized state, but its biggest cities tend to range in population from 300,000 to 100,000 - which works very well for a place like Blüdhaven, which is supposed to have something of an inferiority complex vis-a-vis Gotham - because a lot of the population tends to gravitate to NYC for work and eventually housing as well.

I've already said my piece about the lack of cultural specificity of D.C's Midwest.

As far as the West Coast goes, I've always found it a bit odd that Star City isn't where Seattle is supposed to be. Let's face it, the only place where Oliver Queen's facial hair would go unnoticed is Seattle. Also, Coast City is often depicted too far north on the map - if it's supposed to be a half-hour away from Edwards Air Force Base, it should be significantly more southern, down by Kern County and San Bernadino County, not practically up in San Francisco.

[autistichalsin]

More thoughts on Halsin's bad ending

First, if you haven't already, please watch Merrinla's video of Halsin's goodbye in Act 2 if the player fails to break the Shadow Curse.

So, there's a few things about that video that keep getting to me the more I watch. One... listen to his voice. Watch his face. He is wrestling with himself not to tell the player that he'll go with them, especially in the first one where they beg him to come, and he has to tell them that "this place needs me". You can see his heart break in two as he says it, and you can see how he would give ANYTHING to go with the player instead. But he can't.

The other thing that gets to me is... Halsin is so deeply, devoutly religious for Silvanus. Any other time he invokes his name, Halsin puts his hand over his chest/shoulder instinctively; there is one point in his good ending, where he mentions to the player that he hopes Silvanus will allow him to see Thaniel and Oliver in person again, where he closes his eyes, holds his hand over his chest, and gives a silent, but obvious prayer. But here? Watch him. The movement doesn't look instinctive; quite the opposite, he moves haltingly, like he's not even entirely sure what he's doing. He is convincing himself to make his usual gesture.

One might even go as far as to suggest he feels betrayed by his deity in that moment. The deity he worshipped his entire life, whose favor he sought for over 100 years after the curse fell, spoke (as Halsin says- "the Oakfather has spoken. My place is here")- and in doing so, condemned Halsin to spend possibly the rest of his life in the cursed lands. Halsin gave everything, and Silvanus answered by condemning Halsin to life without the sun, along with the land he tried to save, until he somehow manages.

There is a line Halsin can speak, not shown in the video, if Art hasn't died and the player suggests staying; Halsin tells them if they stay, they'll jeopardize their mission. Then he adds, "This is my burden alone now until either the curse is lifted, or I breathe my last."

And then comes the letter Halsin sends at the epilogue party.

My friend, I was truly heartened to learn of your success in the fight against the Absolute- the whole of the Sword Coast and beyond owes you a debt that can never be repaid. I dearly wish I could have joined in your moment of celebration, but the Shadow Curse remains, and so my vigil must continue. Perhaps I shall yet discover a way to restore light to this place, but until then, the memories of my time traveling with you shall sustain me through all manner of hardships. If the Oak Father is kind, one day I shall feel the warmth of the sun and know the joys of your company once again. Yours until the end, Halsin

In the letter, even when offering a hopeful suggestion that Silvanus might allow him to feel the sun again... you can feel the hopelessness and resignation. Like he doesn't truly think Silvanus will allow him to leave, even if he still worships him and hopes he will.

It's heartbreaking to think about, really, since Halsin is one of THE most devoted Silvanus worshippers. On the other hand, it also makes his good ending, where the curse IS broken, all the more satisfying as a result.

[climatecalling]

Bearing witness to the climate crisis can feel surreal at times, yet I do not mention this to my client. I have a job to do, and it is not to escalate their rational anxieties and fears, it is to manage what is manageable; to teach coping strategies, to encourage connection to nature and social relationships, to channel their grief into sustainable action that feels meaningful. ... I constantly return to the message that there is so much beauty and life in the world that can be saved - and is absolutely worth fighting for. I encourage people to curate their social media feeds and to seek out good news stories about the climate action around the world. I get them to envision a world that is fair; where everyone has enough resources to meet their needs. I ask them what they can do now to contribute to this world, and ask them to move towards this. I talk to them about connection with like minded peers, and joining a local climate action group. I talk to them about nature based therapies- hiking, swimming, listening and watching wildlife, attending beach clean ups and tree planting days. I talk to them about choosing financial institutions to bank with that rule out funding fossil fuel projects. I encourage mindfulness, enjoying the present moment, working through their grief through art, and working through their stress, rage and anxiety with movement.

[solarpunks]

Oh hello there. Online course on solarpunk coming up at the Brooklyn Institute starting in April. This course will focus on the philosophical and imaginary turn towards radical optimism in the face of climate change. We will delve into the art, theory, and fiction associated with solarpunk, in order to think about problems of technology, nature, and productive human society—and how nature and material life can be integrated beyond systems of exploitation and oppression. We’ll consider the uses of utopia, the attractions of science fiction for non-capitalist thinking, the meaning of sustainability, debates over growth and degrowth, and the philosophical and cultural significance of affects of optimism and pessimism. Is contemporary pessimism a form of realism, or a lack of imagination? Readings will include works and excerpts from Ursula K. Le Guin, Kyle Powys Whyte, Andreas Malm, Rebecca Solnit, Becky Chambers’s Monk and Robot duology, and emerging literature within the solarpunk movement—both theoretical and literary.

[southernsolarpunk]

I am once again posting the solarpunk manifesto because I keep seeing people saying that solarpunk is just an aesthetic

Inspired by Solarpunk: A Reference Guide and Solarpunk: Notes Towards a Manifesto

A Solarpunk Manifesto

Solarpunk is a movement in speculative fiction, art, fashion, and activism that seeks to answer and embody the question “what does a sustainable civilization look like, and how can we get there?”

The aesthetics of solarpunk merge the practical with the beautiful, the well-designed with the green and lush, the bright and colorful with the earthy and solid.

Solarpunk can be utopian, just optimistic, or concerned with the struggles en route to a better world ,  but never dystopian. As our world roils with calamity, we need solutions, not only warnings.

Solutions to thrive without fossil fuels, to equitably manage real scarcity and share in abundance instead of supporting false scarcity and false abundance, to be kinder to each other and to the planet we share.

Solarpunk is at once a vision of the future, a thoughtful provocation, a way of living and a set of achievable proposals to get there.

We are solarpunks because optimism has been taken away from us and we are trying to take it back.

We are solarpunks because the only other options are denial or despair.

At its core, Solarpunk is a vision of a future that embodies the best of what humanity can achieve: a post-scarcity, post-hierarchy, post-capitalistic world where humanity sees itself as part of nature and clean energy replaces fossil fuels.

The “punk” in Solarpunk is about rebellion, counterculture, post-capitalism, decolonialism and enthusiasm. It is about going in a different direction than the mainstream, which is increasingly going in a scary direction.

Solarpunk is a movement as much as it is a genre: it is not just about the stories, it is also about how we can get there.

Solarpunk embraces a diversity of tactics: there is no single right way to do solarpunk. Instead, diverse communities from around the world adopt the name and the ideas, and build little nests of self-sustaining revolution.

Solarpunk provides a valuable new perspective, a paradigm and a vocabulary through which to describe one possible future. Instead of embracing retrofuturism, solarpunk looks completely to the future. Not an alternative future, but a possible future.

Our futurism is not nihilistic like cyberpunk and it avoids steampunk’s potentially quasi-reactionary tendencies: it is about ingenuity, generativity, independence, and community.

Solarpunk emphasizes environmental sustainability and social justice.

Solarpunk is about finding ways to make life more wonderful for us right now, and also for the generations that follow us.

Our future must involve repurposing and creating new things from what we already have. Imagine “smart cities” being junked in favor of smart citizenry.

Solarpunk recognizes the historical influence politics and science fiction have had on each other.

Solarpunk recognizes science fiction as not just entertainment but as a form of activism.

Solarpunk wants to counter the scenarios of a dying earth, an insuperable gap between rich and poor, and a society controlled by corporations. Not in hundreds of years, but within reach.

Solarpunk is about youth maker culture, local solutions, local energy grids, ways of creating autonomous functioning systems. It is about loving the world.

Solarpunk culture includes all cultures, religions, abilities, sexes, genders and sexual identities.

Solarpunk is the idea of humanity achieving a social evolution that embraces not just mere tolerance, but a more expansive compassion and acceptance.

The visual aesthetics of Solarpunk are open and evolving. As it stands, it is a mash-up of the following:

1800s age-of-sail/frontier living (but with more bicycles)

Creative reuse of existing infrastructure (sometimes post-apocalyptic, sometimes present-weird)

Appropriate technology

Art Nouveau

Hayao Miyazaki

Jugaad-style innovation from the non-Western world

High-tech backends with simple, elegant outputs

Solarpunk is set in a future built according to principles of New Urbanism or New Pedestrianism and environmental sustainability.

Solarpunk envisions a built environment creatively adapted for solar gain, amongst other things, using different technologies. The objective is to promote self sufficiency and living within natural limits.

In Solarpunk we’ve pulled back just in time to stop the slow destruction of our planet. We’ve learned to use science wisely, for the betterment of our life conditions as part of our planet. We’re no longer overlords. We’re caretakers. We’re gardeners.

Solarpunk:

is diverse

has room for spirituality and science to coexist

is beautiful

can happen. Now

-The Solarpunk Community