Groundwater

Topsoil blowing in the wind… an empty space, void of flowers.

Encourage healthier treatment of our shared soil and ecosystems.
Change is required to prevent more extinction.

The last test tube is dirt that blew into my studio in early spring 2026 when there was a massive dust storm, reminiscent of what it must have been like during the dust bowl, almost 100 years ago.

Warmer winters, decreased snow pack. Quantifiable changes I have witnessed in my lifetime of living in Laramie, WY.

Groundwater is altered as a result of fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides applications. We rely on these shared waters to blossom. Soil quality affects plant growth and in turn the nutritional value for humans and animals that consume these plants. Insects that rely on these plants for pollination are also affected and the cycle of life is compromised.

These outdated practices cause algae blooms and destroy river habitats.
We can’t protect endangered, marginalized systems w/o preserving habitat.

© 2026 Jodie Atherton

Groundwater

Medium: Flagstone, vintage wooden test tube support from my dads lab, test tubes, soil samples, rusty wire, paper, vintage clip on earrings, beads, paint, hand-dyed vintage doilies, beads, glue

17 x 17 x 19”