Strawberry Fields Forever

I named my painting after an old Beatles song, “Strawberry Fields Forever”….and as a tribute to the strawberry pickers whose bent backs I see almost everyday on my way to work.  It is also a tribute to the life and work of Mr. Cesar E. Chavez who worked tirelessly to improve the working conditions for all farm workers.  Not only were his efforts beneficial to the workers whose labor provided food for people all over the world; but Chavez’ fight against pesticide use also protected the consumers of the strawberries and other crops…. that eventually were eaten by innocent children and their families.

In one of my classes I viewed a shocking video entitled No Grapes about the terrible effects of pesticides on unborn children.  I, myself, have worked in rice fields and believe that some of my learning disabilities as well as my asthma could be the result of the inhalation of so many harsh chemicals.  Studying about Mr. Chavez has propelled me to choose a career in the field of nursing so that I can help people who are sick.  My painting depicts a clean, healthy field of strawberries where there is no use of pesticides…..and where the workers and their families can work happily ~ with the assurance that because of Cesar E. Chavez’ dedicated efforts toward social justice for farm workers; safe food, health, and environmental issues; empowerment of the disenfranchised; and service to
others ~ they will no longer have to suffer from disfiguration and other birth defects due to pesticide use and inhumane working conditions.