LAND ARTS OF THE AMERICAN WEST
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PROJECTS - 2012

Roden Crater Investigation

San Francisco Volcanic Field, AZ - 2012

Land Arts of the American West spent an afternoon and evening at James Turrell’s monumental artwork, Roden Crater. Situated within an inactive, volcanic cinder cone, Roden Crater, is comprised of a series of portals and viewing chambers where celestial phenomena converge, immersing visitors in perceptual events of time, space, and light. Project director, Tom McGrath, talked about the history of Roden Crater and future plans for additional construction phases, then led students on a tour of the crater complex.

Land Arts of the American West
Roden Crater from the ranch road.

Land Arts of the American West
Land Arts student, Cecilia McKinnon, looks over architectural studies for future construction phases at Roden Crater

Land Arts of the American West
Land Arts students observe the elliptical skyspace and bronze staircase in the east portal of Roden Crater.

Land Arts of the American West
Visiting artist, Amelia Zaraftis, and Land Arts student, Lea Andersson, view the upside-down, binocular horizon from one of the rim platforms.

Land Arts of the American West
Land Arts students watch the dusk light as shifting color forms at the skyspace in the Eye of the Crater.

Land Arts of the American West
On the rim of Roden Crater, Land Arts students observe an unnamed celestial event arching across the sky during sunset.