4th April 2025 Ms Joy
Part 4
I thank Ms. Joy for contributing four paintings regarding padi ( rice) cultivation. Each painting beautifully captures a different aspect of this vital practice. The last watercolour painting depicts a house on stilts, a common sight in many rice-growing regions.
Houses on stilts had a purpose. They were built to protect against flooding and vermin. One can find such dwellings in many parts of the world, including the Arctic. In SE Asia, the primary purpose was to ensure the rice was stored correctly and not spoilt by floods. Rice’s rich historical significance makes it an essential staple for many worldwide. It is eaten in Asia, Africa, and many European and Western countries. The enslaved people from Africa brought rice to America and introduced rice cuisine.
Through her art, Joy has expressed the importance of preserving our nature and significantly contributed to raising awareness about climate change and its impact on the food cycle. Her work is a powerful reminder of the millions of people at risk of hunger due to these environmental changes.