Raised Earth
June 2000
in the garden of the H.I.S.K. (Higher Institute for Fine Arts), Antwerp
organic material (clay, soil, potting compost and 2 cabbages), 180 x 80 x 30 cm
In preparation for ‘By Itself’, this project is constructed as a foundational element, serving as an experiment for further exploration and intervention.
Work plan:
collect the soil, clay and potting compost
weigh and mix the three components, making sure they are well mixed
add water to achieve the desired consistency
transport the mixture to the site where the wall will be built
build a strong internal structure to support the weight of the large mass of soil
systematically build a frame around the internal structure to ensure it is strong and secure
fill the frame with the soil mixture, layer by layer, compacting and tamping it to create a solid and stable wall
allow the tamped soil mix to dry to ensure it is firm and stable
carefully remove the frame, leaving the solid wall of soil in place
Technical advice from Bert Ghysels, who collaborated on the realisation of the project, with the support of Joëlle Wilssens