The installation, Carbon Cube, is a visual representation of the volume of carbon gas each individual at Colgate University emits every 48 hours. The cube’s size is based on Colgate’s 2016 Greenhouse Gas Report, conducted by the Office of Sustainability. It is made of wood and painted in chalkboard paint.

I created this cube to contextualize the meaning of carbon emissions for the Colgate community. As an environmental activist and sustainability intern, one of the greatest challenges I encounter is communicating reminders of our daily impact on the environment, both as an individual and as a community. As an artist, I want to convey this impact in a meaningful way that resonates with people. The Carbon Cube’s solid black mass is a heavy reminder that our daily carbon emissions are real and lasting. It calls passersby to confront their environmental impact and compel them to reconsider their relationship with the earth. Additionally, I chose to paint the cube in chalkboard paint to invite people to respond to the piece. My aim is that the cube will undergo a transformation over its installation. The responses written on the cube will reflect the attitude of the campus towards their carbon footprint. With every response, the light chalk replaces some blackness of the cube and hopefully will metaphorically represent the change in behavior of our community as we are reminded of our impact.