The Lost Year poster design for the TEDxOilSpill poster competition, created in Adobe Photoshop with hand drawn and colored illustration to bring to light the habitat contamination and loss experienced by sea turtles – especially during their lost year – due to oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico.

Posters, art prints, and a variety of additional products such as face masks, greeting cards, bath mats, cutting mats, and travel mugs also available at Society6.com.

TEDxOilSpill tackled tough questions raised by environmental catastrophes in the Gulf of Mexico. Topics explored included mitigation of the 2010 oil spill and cleanup efforts; energy alternatives; policy and economics; as well as new technology for our energy future that can help us build a self-reliant culture.

TED conferences bring together the world’s leading thinkers and doers for a series of talks, presentations and performances. Speakers at TED events – some of the world’s most fascinating, innovative and influential individuals – are challenged to give “the talk of their life” in 18 minutes or less. Sharing and connection happens from the stage or in the lounge. It’s the conversation that will change your life.

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At TEDxOilSpill, live speakers will spark deep discussion and connection. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

TEDxOilSpill was held June 28, 2010, and followed the TED form and spirit.