"Platte" (Earth Lens 004) - Artist Statement + Photos [2016]

The Earth Lens series is a harmonious fusion of art and nature, inviting unknowing viewers to step beyond the ordinary and immerse themselves in the lost intricacies of the surrounding landscape. These interactive earthworks serve as portals to the natural world, drawing us into a deeper connection with land around us; while forcing us to consider the impermanence of the world around.

Tree branches. 4' x 4' [Littleton, USA. 2016]

Introduction

Platte captures a tranquil bend of the South Platte River, where the steady flow of water meets the rugged backdrop of Waterton Canyon. This lens offers a moment of respite, encouraging visitors to step away from the river’s busy recreational activities and focus on the quiet beauty of this secluded scene.

Site & Placement

Positioned on the west bank of the South Platte River, the lens directs attention to the water’s gentle curves and the canyon rising in the background. A bench placed 12 feet away provides the perfect spot for reflection, emphasizing the interplay of movement and stillness in the landscape.

Impermanence & Integration

The lens, constructed from branches and stone, mirrors the ever-changing nature of the river itself. As it stands, it frames a single moment within the flow of time, but its materials will soon be reclaimed by the earth, echoing the river’s constant reshaping of the land.

Reflection

Platte invites viewers to contemplate the river’s journey—its constancy in motion and its quiet persistence. The work becomes a metaphor for life’s flow, urging us to find beauty in the transient and the enduring alike.