I invested so much lovely time, energy, and creativity into this project, called High Iron, and really haven't shared it properly.
Long story short (and you can read more from the High Iron team) - I had the opportunity to work with artists, anthropologists, public art makers, ancestors, and many more to convert an old train car into a (slow) moving piece of public art aiming to share the untold stories of immigrant labor that built the railroad.
A group of artists was selected to work collaboratively to design and create artwork for the railcar. We each approached the storytelling aspect differently and you can read and view more about the installations here and watch a short video here.
My contribution is a piece entitled, Above because below, where I carved Munsell color notation (the system we use to document soil color) into used snow fence panels that were then painted with soil minerals transecting Wyoming and in essence, the transcontinental railroad. The panels were installed on the ceiling of the railcar, suspended above visitors' heads, and connected via dark-colored rails painted with coal-pigmented paint signifying mineral extraction that occurred in part due to the increased accessibility of Wyoming’s natural resources via the transcontinental railroad.
Above because below encourages consideration of the belowground environment, it’s beauty and nutrient-rich materials, with renewed perspective. Look up to see what is typically below and often blocked from view and seek to appreciate soils for their physical, chemical, and emotional importance.
In progress installation shot - before final installation but also before crashing to the floor over night. Learn by making mistakes, right?
Railcar mural artwork by Eirini Linardaki entitled I Wake Up To The Sound Of Mountains (Walking Against The Wind).
If you'll be through southeastern Wyoming this summer - be sure to check out the schedule and visit the rail car.