Seeing the Big River: Mississippi River Bound #184

There are many ways to experience the big river. In this regular feature well "See the Big River" through the eyes of FMRs Artist-in-Residence, Peter L. Johnson. Peter works alongside FMRs staff and volunteers as we strive to protect and improve this cherished community asset.

Peter L. Johnson

Artists statement

"The purpose of my trip to my favorite beach in the Minneapolis Gorge area was simply to enjoy the calm of the Mississippi River at sunset. This new 'specimen' and the second Made-in-China rubber ball in the collection just happened to be there on the shore. This toy invading the ecosystem becomes a shield, a mask, and a boat on the surface, all keeping us from really seeing the harm to and the needs of the Big River."

The FMR connection

In addition to altering our experience of sitting by the river at sunset, trash such as this deflated blue ball injures our ecosystem. Wildlife tend to confuse plastic and rubber for food (many bits of toys and fishing lures have been found in the stomachs of deceased river and ocean birds, fish and mammals), while degrading plastics release toxins into our watershed. If sights such as this make you want to get outside and clean up the riverbanks — consider joining FMR for a National Public Lands Day cleanup September 24th or organizing your own.

About the artist

Peter L. Johnson draws upon his varied background as a documentary photographer, solo street performance artist, painter and social activist to create the overall tenet of his artistic practice, Seeing the Big River. His lyrical photographs, collected "specimens" and gasoline-infested Mississippi Mud paintings discover beauty amongst the damage we do to our environment. Learn more at peterljohnson.com.