Groundswell explores the environmental and spiritual interruption of nature through mining. Using rock cores extracted from eastern Maine/Passamaquoddy land and hand-dug wild clay, these sculptures focus on mining’s impact on safe water supply, which drives the region’s economy and daily life.

 For the past three years, Stephanie Garon has collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of geologists, earth and soil scientists, tribal members, lawyers, fishermen, and Pembroke/Sipiyak locals to amplify historical, cultural, and scientific perspectives about mining.  An informed community is critical at a moment when there is increased pressure to resume or begin large-scale mining operations in Downeast Maine and other locations across the state.

In conjunction with this sculpture series, the artist produced collograph prints using the residual ground mined rock core dust and metal shards used in each artwork. These abstract contemporary images provide an artifact of the void left when rocks are extracted from the land. Images of the prints are available in a folder inside the gallery and original prints are available for purchase. 

More resources and information on Maine mining can be found on the artist’s website.