Monday, April 19, 2010

Daytripping


Nearly all art students that come to study in Utah at some point make the pilgrimage out to the Spiral Jetty, located in the north arm of the Great Salt Lake smack center in the state of Utah, or at least attempt to find it. Our pal Sunshine invited us to come along today on an adventure to locate it out in the middle of nowhere. It is about a 2 hour drive from Logan, the second half of which is off-roading and needless to say, slow going. The kids and I were thrilled to go along for the bumpy ride and do a little salt flat running once we got there to stretch out our legs.     

The earthwork sculpture was built 40 years ago by American artist Robert Smithson. With the help of a local earthmoving contractor and his machine, Smithson used black basalt rocks and earth from the immediate shoreline to create a 1500 feet long and 15 feet wide spiral coil stretching counterclockwise out into the Great Salt Lake. 

In 1970 ,the water level of the lake was unusually low because of a drought. For the last three decades the water level was higher which submerged the jetty underwater, until in 2004 when it became exposed again and has remained visible ever since. 

With the remote location, and serene surroundings, our visit seemed almost spiritual in some ways. We picnicked out on the jetty and spent some time walking its length before it became too hot and my children, too tired. Again, another glorious day to daytrip and a sure bet for making sure the kids are in bed and asleep by 6:30 p.m. 

2 comments:

gladventurer said...

wouldn't grandma Lady like to see this next trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Unknown Potter said...

reminds me of Andreaw Goldsworthy, the spiral- watched a great dvd of his work- you would enjoy it very much. Must be at the library, check it out!