In 1994, I went on a quest – a trip to New Mexico in search of Agnes Martin, whose work had had a huge impact on myself and my relationship with my work. On the way, seeing as we were in the right part of the vast USA, it was kind of rude not to at least attempt to see James Turrell’s massive Roden Crater project – a resculpting of a volcano on land in Arizona.
I’d read about it, seen his plans, elevations and sketches of it in his ‘Lightworks’ show at the Hayward Gallery in London and now, here we were on Route 66, just on the turnoff for the Grand Canyon, and according to our map, very close to Turrell’s huge artwork in progress… I thought there would be signs at least, but, running a bit (few years) behind schedule, the crater was nowhere near being opened to public view. Disappointed – I mean, who knows when we’d be back in the vicinity, having come all the way from Europe – we debated for about 5 seconds and then stepped over the fence and took a little stroll around. 
I loved that day and writing this blog has rekindled that feeling of pure excitement of being so close to something so wonderful as an artist in communion with something soooo much bigger than themselves. In Turrell’s case, it is easy to say ‘it’s bigger’, because it literally is bigger!, but on a spiritual level too, this project rocks!! For me, it touches history, architecture, landscape, sacred space, art, culture, storytelling, anthropology, myth, labyrinths, light, walking, meditation…
so enjoy this film about the man James Turrell, and if you’re ever in Arizona, stop by and see for yourself…
also go watch the PBS film Art21: Art & Spirituality
