Artist Statement

Invasive species play a big role in the dynamics of our modern-day environments, and my video is meant to exhibit the roles of these creatures in a personal and comprehensive manner. Stylistically, the project is heavily influenced by the likes of many of the campy 1990’s educational films that my senior class has come to know and love. I feel that this is an effective way to display the information, because it allows for a lot of creative ways to show off otherwise tedious facts and figures. The video was made using a variety of computer programs and exhibits animation, green screen effects, sound design, and digital editing. While I did have some trouble finding a balance between quirkiness and scientific relevance, I feel that the data presented is impactful enough to make viewers consider the origins of the plants and animals around them. Focusing in on our hometown was a great tool for emphasizing the issue’s importance. Being such a large and diverse city, San Diego is home to many non-native living things, so regardless of your lifestyle, you will almost certainly encounter some of these pests on a daily basis. This topic affects every one of us, whether we realize it or not, and if precautions are not put in order soon, our entire ecosystem could crumble.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia

Chia (Salvia Hispanica)
Origin: Chia seeds have been used for hundreds of years in drinks and food, and were popularized by Aztec cultures in South America. The seeds were so prized that they were even used as currency in some civilizations. The word chia comes from the Aztec word chian, meaning oily. Today, the plant is still used in traditional recipes, but has been popularized by the Chia Pet. This novelty ceramic planter created in the late 1970’s uses the chia sprouts to simulate an animal’s fur or a person’s hair.
Nutrition: Chia plants are capable of growing up to 1 meter tall and are typically capped by a small purple flower. While the plant itself does not yield any form of nutritious output, they are still grown commercially for their seeds. The seeds are teeming with omega-3 fatty acids and can be extracted for vitamin rich oils.
Interesting Fact: The first chia pet was in the shape of a ram, but to date, more than 100 varieties have been created. The newest of the bunch, is much-loved Chia Obama.