Earthworks in Water: The 50 Year Sensibility. A Project of Artist/Environmentalist Calvin Grimm (2017)

Begun in the mid-60s on Martha's Vineyard, as "Earthworks in the Tidal Zone", Grimm was mimicking sea kelp's rhythmic dance with the ebb and flow of tides. After decades of paintings informed by those Earthworks and many other hands-on experiences with the forces of nature, Grimm is developing a repertoire of paintings and environmental sculptures, some of which 'simulate' oil spills, others more playful. This video weaves images -- telling a story of former, current and projected installations involving Earthworks and Paintings.

The awareness of the threats to our most precious resource, water, is growing. This video and a number of demonstrations/installations have been drawing people into the conversation.

Several years ago Shell Oil proposed drilling in the fragile and remote offshore Arctic environment but were challenged by millions of people who believe the Arctic oil should be left in the ground. The risk of a major spill, like those we have seen, is 75%, according to government estimates.

While the current administration has outlawed drilling along the wealthy Atlantic coast, it may permit drilling in Arctic waters where tribal peoples live. This is an example of how socio-environmental dynamics are inseparable.