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wild forests and the various species that inhabit them, are bulldozed over to expand the city, making room for more apartments, 
houses, business units, and storage units. !is piece speaks to the juxtaposition between what we as a human species consider to 
be construction and “progress” versus what construction means for the native species that work in a harmonious rhythm with 
each other. Where we put up metal barriers to prevent beavers from chewing down trees to “preserve the natural aesthetic of 
the river,” the beavers are creating dams that can help prevent erosion along the river, clean the water downstream of the dam, 
and create spaces for "sh and insects to hide in. Painted with water-mixable oils, this piece was built up layer by layer, relying 
on an alla prima painting technique, which allowed for the bright vibrancy of the colors and textural elements to shine through. 
!is technique of slowly building up layers also re#ects further upon the question of construction and its relation to intention. 

Aisthesis      Volume 15,  202478

Construction vs Deconstruction

by Krista Hamel


