Zion

All paintings were created on Southern Paiute and Pueblos Land. I spent the month of September (2018) at the Grotto cabin in Zion National Park as the Artist in Residence. Zion is the third most visited park in the NPS. With an 8 mile stretch of road to cram 4 million people there is bound to be litter.

When I arrived, many of the trails were closed including Angels Landing. So the large number of visitors were limited further. One of the greatest attractions of the park is the Narrows, where most patrons of the park ventured. The Narrows is an unusual hike for most- it takes you through the slot canyon created by the Virgin River. As opposed to the typical hot desert climate, this hike is shielded from the sun as you wade through icy river water. Because of the unique qualities of the hike, many people come ill prepared. 

By the end of my time in Zion I found upwards of 30 pairs of shoes left behind near the start of the Narrows- discarded after being filled with sand, drenched, or broken.

Painting on shoes has always offered a literal perspective on the idea of a human footprint. My time spent in Zion involved reflecting upon steps that I can personally take to better improve myself as a sustainable human on Earth.

At the end of my month-long residency these were my own personal totals:

• Aluminum cans: 39

• Cardboard boxes: 16

• Glass bottles: 28

• Plastic bottles: 7

• Paper bags: 11

• Plastic tubs: 6

• Yogurt cups: 4

• Trash: 1 bag

All except the one bag of trash were recycled at the Zion Recycling Center.