Seeing the Big River #196
There are many ways to experience the big river. In this regular feature well "See the Big River" through the eyes of FMRs volunteer Artist-in-Residence, Peter L. Johnson. Peter works alongside FMRs staff and volunteers as we strive to protect and improve this cherished community asset.
Seeing the Big River #196
Saint Paul, MN 2011
Peter L. Johnson
Artists statement
This photo is from the site where 30,000 cubic yards of hazardous waste from the Ford Motor Company sits ON the bank of the Mississippi River. My hope is that we insist that this threat to the health of the ecosystem of the Big River is completely cleaned up before there are any actions taken to develop the land. The upper left corner is the reflection of the stack from the steam plant whose power was provided by the River. Now it is time to clean up the mess that allowed for years of Ford profits.
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.