Out of the Seam, dimensions variable, thread, anthracite coal, concrete, grass, earth, 2016
Out of the Seam
Out of the Seam, dimensions variable, thread, anthracite coal, concrete, grass, earth, 2016
Out of the Seam, Thread, anthracite coal, concrete, grass, earth, dimensions variable, 2016.
The sleepy coal town of Centralia changed forever in May of 1962. A spark ignited the abandoned coal seams, a vast fire still courses through its veins. While the specific event that led to the mine fire remains unknown, the effects have been beyond devastating to the now forsaken town. My interest in Centralia is beyond the tourist curiosity; I am drawn to the area as a coal miner’s daughter who grew up in a similar rural coal town as the industry was beginning to wane in West Central Pennsylvania. I am struck at the contrast of the earth is quite literally consuming itself underground, while about above, there is evident excess of disposed of trash, graffiti, concrete slabs, coal, and natural overgrowth.