Loss of Louisiana's Marine Habitat
Marsh Mission - Capturing the Vanishing Wetlands
Take a journey through the coastal wetlands of Louisiana with Photographer CC Lockwood and Painter Rhea Gary as they document the loss of marine and estuarine habitat
Marsh Mission documents the loss of productive wetlands in coastal Louisiana, disappearing at a rate of fifty square miles (12,950 hectares) a year, a nearly impossible task. Marshes that offer habitat for wildlife and buffer the effects of hurricane surges are rapidly declining in Louisiana with the steady construction of dams and levees meant to protect homes along the Mississippi River.
A Joint Vision - Artists CC Lockwood and Rhea Gary shared an inspiration of joining two visual interpretations of Louisiana's wetlands through photography and painting to better show the magnificent marshes that are so quickly slipping away. The thought was perhaps people would be inspired to protect these natural treasures and work to support restoration of coastal wetlands, if they only knew what was being lost.
A Long Term Effort - Marsh Mission represents Lockwood and Gary's self-imposed four-year obligation to artistically explore Louisiana's priceless wetland heritage. Supported by a vast network of supporters that included the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program and Louisiana State University, noted outdoor photographer CC Lockwood initially spent a year traveling some 5,000 miles of coastal wetlands in the houseboat Wetland Wanderer. Landscape painter Rhea Gary joined in the explorations from time to time, sketching scenes from a river bateau and finishing her oil paintings on canvas in her studio. Ultimately CC and Rhea each contributed thirty compelling images in the creation of Marsh Mission. CC Lockwood adds to his photographic contribution with an epilogue that details the phenomenal loss of wetlands, its consequences to the fishing economy, and efforts currently being made to restore marshlands in Louisiana.
Mission Accomplished - Marsh Mission should be considered a mission accomplished. There will be few of us that won't be moved by the striking oil paintings and photography found in the book. This book lying on a table will openly invite viewing and contemplation of these jewels of Louisiana's coastal heritage. Marsh Mission must be considered an effective way to co-opt new believers in the effort to restore these wetlands. The book was published just before the onslaught of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The hurricanes took a frightening toll on coastal wetlands and Marsh Mission clearly highlights the damage that occurred.
Artists Lockwood and Gary have provided us with a slight taste of their work. A photograph titled Marsh Flight taken in Terrebonne Parish and a painting titled Sunset - Flat Lake are visible below. Marsh Mission (ISBN-10 0807130966) is published by the Louisiana State University Press and sells for $39.95. The book contains photographs and an essay by CC Lockwood, paintings and an essay by Rhea Gary, color plates of their artwork, an epilogue and a list of the plates published. The authors maintain the Marsh Mission website were readers can learn more about the fate of Louisiana's wetlands, students can participate in the Coastal Classroom and what actions new converts can be taken to begin habitat restoration.
