The Earthwork

An earthwork is art in or on the earth. It works with nature and can disintegrate as soon as it is made. The purpose of this assignment is to meet the other students in our classes on an informal level. So, we gathered on a warm September afternoon after connecting on Group Me. I chose a spot up Manti canyon for the project. It's near a stream and can be washed away if we get any rain. 

The group was excited. They're so young. I call them my grandchildren. We brought them apples and cookies. Only J wanted to eat. He's the same boy who told his future date he is bisexual. I asked him if things worked out with the date. He said it's better than he ever imagined. Good for them!

We decided to create the face of a young woman in the sand. We used sticks for her hair. J got really upset that we hadn't chosen a color pallette. He was worried we would send it into the gallery and they would want a color palette. I assured him we were okay.

We worked together to gather sticks and rocks to make her. Chuck, J and I shoveled and raked the sand clean to have a space for our creation. Before we arrived I asked everyone if we could dedicate it to my neighbor, L. Her son took his life and her other son was shot accidentally by police. They were all happy to dedicate it to L and her husband, P. 

Chuck brought his truck. They all climbed up in it and surveyed the laborers. It was fun. 

J told me his mom is in Florida with cancer. He doesn't have any family close. When I told B he was doing a good job, he said he didn't care about it and just wants a good grade. The girls were excited to put flowers in the hair of our earthen portrait.  

I named her a guardian angel. And I wrote the boys names on some wood stumps. Cody B and Cody E. May they rest in peace and their families be comforted. 


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