Alexander Ward
Our Team | May 28 2012
Earth 2.0: Behind The Scenes - Alexander Ward
A visual art creative in the entertainment industry. After intensive education in the disciplines of traditional 2D animation, Alexander began his career working in the animation industry in China. He since returned to the UK to work as a Concept Artist in the TV and Video Game industry.
E2H: How did you get involved with the Earth 2.0 project?
AW: It was shortly after I returned to the UK after working in the animation industry in China. I was an artist lacking in spiritual growth. I started to vicariously consume the knowledge of various spiritual teachers. And I believe the spiritual path ultimately lies within a correct relationship to nature. The Director of Earth 2.0, Frank, had caught me at this time when I was looking for projects where I could use my art promoting the values of these teachings. We immediately clicked as we began visualising ideas on how to bring out these themes in film and media.
E2H: If you could upgrade just one aspect of Earth 1.0, what would it be?
AW: The problem I see is not of upgrading the Earth, but of upgrading Human consciousness. I believe the work required is an inner journey for each individual. How we treat each other is ultimately how we will treat the biosphere. We have made great technological advancements with the capacity to feed and care for each and every person on the planet. However it is the values we have agreed upon within ourselves that ultimately dictates how we use that technology, and whether those technologies are a danger to natural eco-balance of our planet.
E2H: What was your ‘Earth 2.0 moment’ – when you realised humanity needed to start doing things differently?
AW: I'm not sure there has ever been a single definable moment for me. There are countless instances that have happened to me and countless instances where I have been truly inspired by the work of others working to promote a sustainable relationship to nature. With this age of ever increasing connectivity, new information is constantly being downloaded to us on the unsustainabilities of the systems we live in, and each and every person is becoming a participant in how we can address that issue.
E2H: As a conceptual digital artist, how do you see digital media, including films, apps and games inspiring positive change?
AW: With the invention of the spoken word we became able to communicate for as far as our voice could carry. Then with the invention of the print word suddenly our words and ideas could reach further than our voice would allow. Human evolution is the evolution of an ever increasing connectivity to each other. Digital media with the assistance of internet can reach amounts of people we could never have dreamed of before. As a connected species we can better move into a more sustainable future together.
Alexander's concept work in the entertainment industry
E2H: How do you re-connect with nature?
AW: I have taken myself out of my comfort zone. I spent time in Amazon Jungle with people who still live in harmony with the natural world. I've fasted deep in nature alone for many days. After experiences like these the Earth suddenly seems very much alive, not a set of outside resources for us to use or perhaps even exploit, but a vital organism we all are an intrinsic part of. If we destroy nature, we are destroying ourselves.
AW: I have taken myself out of my comfort zone. I spent time in Amazon Jungle with people who still live in harmony with the natural world. I've fasted deep in nature alone for many days. After experiences like these the Earth suddenly seems very much alive, not a set of outside resources for us to use or perhaps even exploit, but a vital organism we all are an intrinsic part of. If we destroy nature, we are destroying ourselves.
Alexander in the Amazon Jungle
E2H: What advice would you give to people about our relationship to nature?
AW: Stop thinking it's all about you. Just open your eyes and look. People are often too fixated on their own problems as a person, that they overlook the majestic beauty of the natural world, and the opportunity of life it offers.
AW: Stop thinking it's all about you. Just open your eyes and look. People are often too fixated on their own problems as a person, that they overlook the majestic beauty of the natural world, and the opportunity of life it offers.
"iO" - Directed by Alexander Ward, James Swindells and Robert Nelson.
