Camila Young

“Nothing in this world is as soft and yielding as water, yet for attacking the hard and strong, none can triumph so easily.” The Tao Te Ching was often recited by my father as he read it to me as bedtime stories, shaping my understanding of the self and the power of nature.

I am a Puerto Rican American artist and dedicated environmental advocate whose commitment to climate change was ignited in my youth in Miami, a city vulnerable to rising sea levels. The urgency of my mission intensified after witnessing Hurricane Maria's devastating impact on my family in Puerto Rico.

Currently, I study at Yale University specializing in environmental sciences and international affairs. Studying watercolor under Professor Adam Van Doren has inspired me to pursue watercolor as my main medium. Influenced by artists such as J.M.W. Turner, John James Audubon, and Shiy De Jin, as well as the striking imagery of Ryujin that I encountered during my research in Japan, I pursue capturing the dynamics of feathers, water, and light.

As a climate journalist, I explore diverse global perspectives on sustainability. My international experiences have allowed me to gather compelling stories, such as the sustainable practices of an Italian convent, the climate wisdom of Buddhist monks in Japan, and the Swiss approach to climate accountability. I believe in the power of cultural exchange to foster ecological progress, and I embed these narratives into my art.

My paintings serve as an extension of my research, aiming to convey the emotions and essence of the individuals behind the climate stories I share. Ultimately, I seek to deepen the understanding of our environment and the communities affected by climate change, blending art and journalism. My work as a part of the youth climate movement has earned me recognition as a United Nations Academic Impact Millennium Fellow and an American Meteorological Society Minority Scholar, which has further propelled my efforts in installing climate art exhibitions in Downtown Manhattan.”

www.camilayoung.com