Land Art with Bill Witherspoon

Program Description

“When individual, societal or planetary life becomes dislocated from nature, health on all levels is lost.” These are the words of Bill Witherspoon, an artist who creates geometric forms directly on the Earth, as a means to enliven and amplify the corresponding intelligence of the environment and, incredibly enough, human consciousness as well. Through his work, Witherspoon has helped farmers with their crops, transformed pure alkaline soil, drawn wildlife to barren desert, created community involvement with his projects on a grand scale, and uplifted the consciousness of the people involved. “They have undergone a profound change in their perception. They see the same world, but it is more beautiful and more intimately connected to them. They love, cherish and care for their crops and the end-user more. Some of these farmers have transformed their corn and bean farms into completely organic, sustainable farming.”

A painter, sculptor and land artist, Witherspoon was co-founder of Westbridge Research Group, a biotechnology company that develops nontoxic products for agriculture. He is now president and CEO of Genetic ID, the first international company to do testing and certification of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in the food supply and provide this information to the general public. To learn more about the work of Bill Witherspoon go to www.theskyfactory.com

Topics Explored in this Dialogue:

• How geometric structures restore beauty, balance and health to the land
• Using art as a technology to reconnect society with nature
• How geometric ground designs can enliven human consciousness
• How Witherspoonís ground designs transform poor soil
• The vision of a Cherokee medicine woman
• Honoring the fundamental laws of nature
• How wildlife has responded to Witherspoonís designs
• Listening to nature–silence with a capital ìSî
• Witherspoonís latest endeavor: The California Design Project

Program Number: 2673              Host: Michael Toms               Interview Date: 10/31/1997