The “SOS Security Blanket” is a visual petition for better energy polices. It is a community project and conceptual art piece made of petroleum based plastic. It is the artist’s mission to combine fine art and domestic crafts to allow people to express their concerns about current energy policies and to help educate people about how we can work towards a more sustainable future. This is a action and community-made work that uses craft to agitate for change. Mercedes is inviting everyone who has something to say about the Gulf oil spill & other man made disasters to create a square for the blanket. By creating a square, any one who feels hopeless, vulnerable or angry will be able to use art to express not only their inner issues regarding the oil spill but also be part of a consolidated call for change. Bringing together all of our angst, fear, frustration and helplessness into one large project will create a strong visual message and help to remind people about the hazards of off shore drilling and non-sustainable energy practices.
Mercedes started collecting squares in August of 2010 will collect squares until she thinks think blanket can make an impact. With this project she goes into community spaces to help them create their squares for the blanket and talk about the impact of our current energy policies. Mercedes goal for this piece to be a continuous reminder for people about the hazards of offshore drilling and our endless need for oil. Mercedes says “I see this project as a catalyst for a smarter more informed future, a protest and a vigil for hope and positive change.”
