Immersion #1
July 02, 2010
Immersion My latest project finding beauty in our devastated ecosystem.
I take these photos in the Mississippi River after the co-creators read and sign the following:
The Danger of Being Immersed in the Mississippi River Release
I, _________________________________________, am fully aware of the hazards of immersing myself in the waters of the Mississippi River.
I have been informed that E. coli infections from exposure to the agricultural and street runoff that ends up in the Mississippi River may cause severe reactions, including hospitalization. These pollutants make the water a potential health hazard for humans, especially if they are ingested or exposed to open wounds. I am also aware of the long term affects that may result from exposure to the toxic contaminants that are all too present in the River such as heavy metals, polymers, solvents, pesticides, herbicides, and endocrine disrupters I have been told to use ear plugs, nose plugs, and not to let my eyes be submerged in the water.
I am entering into this immersion process at least 48 hours after a rainfall in an attempt to minimize health risks due to the runoff pollutants in the water.
I acknowledge that no children, pregnant women, or non-aware adults will be allowed to be part of this baptism in pollution.
The rights to the images belong to Peter L. Johnson and he agrees that ten percent of any earnings from my photograph will go to the eco-organization of my choice.
By participating in the art project, Immersion, I am bringing awareness to the appalling fact that is not safe to swim in the Mississippi River where these photographs are being taken.
Intense and stunning! I look forward to participating in this project. The enormity of the direct impact on all of our lives is immediate. Conscious immersion will be my allegiance to myself and our earth, our Mother, mainlining one of her main veins. I am afraid of what she may tell me and what she may tell you through my face. I am vulnerable and susceptible to effects of reckless abuse.
Your insights and awareness you mention above are exactly why I am so looking forward to co-creating Immersion photos with you. Thanks for your kind words.
[...] a gallery of the prime images from this series of work created so far. For more information on the Immersion project go to the July 2, 2010 post. Thanks [...]