Conservation! is an experimental video and animation composite focusing on the topic of conservation methodologies and cultural practices. The video examines topics of waste and questions the audience to take action in their daily choices of material, energy and mobility. Conservation! uses seductive imagery and a pervasive tune and beat to rhythmically capture the audience on journey through layers of plastic, electricity and gas consumption. The work has music that is written, recorded, and performed by the "Petroleum Pop Princess Baroness Mistress," Kristen Baumlier. This collaborative piece combines animation, special effects and video compositing by Amanda Almon, which creates a multi-layered, deeply textured ecological environment. The video comes alive with the backdrop of sound design by Baumlier, who developed an ecological and conservation theme song.

In current society, there are frequent policies and topics centered around the need to conserve gasoline, oil, water, industrial materials and electricity -- but are we really ready to do the work to conserve? Is it difficult and painful to conserve and do we have to sacrifice current lifestyles? Can we change how we work and live now; to make sure we have resources tomorrow? Can we adapt to the "pain" of having to conserve" and learn to live with it -- or even learn to like it? All of these questions call to the viewer to question their values of "living" or rather transitioning to "living green." The visuals contained within the video form a conceptual and experimental framework to examine and explore different areas of resource depletion; calling the viewer to face images of their "everyday" consumption. The visual space is punctuated by the text of "conservation" in sync with the music to interrupt the images and calling the viewer to action for Conservation! in their lives and environment. The music of Conservation! explores these ideas with pervasive and humorous lyrics such as," Conservation! It's got to hurt a little bit, but I learn to like it. A little pinch means a lot. Conservation is so hot. Saving a little day and night, not always taking feels so right..." (less info)