The following images show progress of the dig as of December of 2011. In the photograph above I am facing on the south to north axis. I am standing on what must have been a sidewalk to a structure, evidenced by the abandoned foundation piers and concrete foundation, 2 feet by 6 inches that intersects the dig (upper right).On the right is the continuation of the west wall. I created a new batch of bricks composed of manure, mud from the site, and quikcrete for durability. The walls is approximately 31/2 feet high and 4 feet deep. Bricks were placed atop one another in a circular fashion to create a rounded curve and filled and tamped down. As of this date, the walls has become integrated into the surrounding environment with local daises and other botanical species taking root in the wall face. I see this as a kind of natural camouflaging as once the plants take hold it has a less conspicuous appearance to those humans that share the space with me.
Looking down at south pier and pedestal. Approximate depth from base of pier to floor is seven feet. The exposed pipe is a former sewer line. It was discovered at about 3 1/2 feet.
From this vantage point I am facing south, with the south-facing pier at my left shoulder and the two south berms are left and right. This is the extreme end of the project.
This is the west-facing wall. This wall is a three staged construction from the extreme right being my first attempts, and following left around the tree to much later and more successful results. Note the tagged tree, natural elements in this area have been routinely mistreated in this fashion.
South west berm directly adjacent to the south pier. From pier base to berm top is approximately 12 feet.
Standing inside, next to south pier looking up.
Looking up with south pier to my right and tree in background.
Standing in hole with east pier in foreground. Person in background is a reference point in the photograph for ground level.
South pier, looking from base up. Note embedded masks in walls.
West wall is encrusted with masks. Mask dimensions are 8 inches by 10 inches.
I consider this the most productive stage in the project's process because many elements were introduced and the general layout of the space was established. Areas of construction and marking were clearly defined and a clear goal felt as if it were being expressed. Unfortunately, I was injured soon after this session and had to leave the project unattended. In the interim, the project began to take regular "hits". Piers were displaced. Depressions were filled in and trash and broken glass became a regular occurrence.
Destruction, rearrangement, and alteration are all aspects of this project. Accepting this as part of the aesthetic process is essential to its continuation. There is no place for the traditional artist's ego. This is not the stereotypical solitary artist's setting. This is art in the real world, exposed, and mutable. One must check one's impressions of authorship at the door, or else, it becomes filled with dread rather than fascination.
In art,where does mystery really lie?
