Tag: eco-art

Robert Smithson, Mirror and Crushed Shells 1969

On July 9, 1969, Robert Smithson wrote the following letter to Andy Warhol about “A Mirror and Crushed Shells”:

Dear Andy,
This is to certify that A Mirror with Crushed Shells (Sanibel Island) is an original work of art. It consists of three mirrors which may be restored if broken, and one burlap bag of crushed shells collected by the artist at Sanibel Island, April, 1969. If any shells are ever lost, the owner has the right to restore the work by collecting more shells from Sanibel Island (northern part of islansd; see map of site which is part of the work). The three mirrors are held in place in a corner by the pressure of the shells only. (See photo). The work is owned by Andy Warhol. 

Robert Smithson, Detail of Mirror and Crushed Shells showing map of Sanibel Island, Florida

Connie Merriman, Tree House, 2010

Materials

Dawn Redwood tree, light, paper, wood

Artist Statement

I have always wanted a tree house. When I was young, I spent a lot of time in the top of a cherry tree that grew in a wood adjacent to my home. You could be quiet in the branches and watch animals walking the paths below. I thought it would be good to have a shelter for myself in the tree so that I could be more safe and comfortable. Now I think of a tree house in another way. In a gesture to address the issues of stewardship, this fragile house is made to shelter a tree, and the natural world it represents, from humanity’s built environment. It is a house for a tree.

Source: mattress.org