Wow – what a surprise! I just realised that Google has updated their satellite views, and one can clearly see my land art installations ‘Salt Circles’ right from outer space! Isn’t that cool?
Land art installation ‘Salt Circles’ by Imke Rust, as seen on Google Satellite View. (Correct Coordinates: 22° 36’ 21” S,14° 31’ 51” E)
I have taken this photo from my screen, but you can go and have a look on Google Maps/Satellite View yourself. (Coordinates: 22° 36’ 21” S,14° 31’ 51” E)
Even if one cannot see each circle on its own, one can clearly see the smallest and largest circle and some lighter/white shade in between.
And I have another special treat for you! Outer space pictures are amazing, but looking very closely at something is equally breathtaking. Here are some close up pictures, taken by my father a few months after completion of the installation:
Chestnut banded plover (near threatened species) in the centre of my salt installation
While photographing the salt circles for me, my father noticed this chestnut banded plover (thank you to Jean-Paul Roux for pointing out the correct name) in the centre of the circles, and the bird did not want to leave, dispite all the action. So on closer inspeciton my father found the reason why it was spending time in the centre of the salt circles:
Strandloopertjie nest with eggs
Yes, she has choosen the salt ridges of the circles as perfect shelter for laying her eggs. 🙂 🙂 🙂
The artwork was supposed to be a symbolic blessing and protection of the surrounding land. The concentric circles were selected as a shape to symbolise the outward ripple-effect which I hope this blessing and protection would have. To me the nest of the bird seems to confirm in a small but beautiful way, that my intentions are recognised and appreciated by nature.
Another close-up view
For more information and pictures of this artwork, click here.
Imke Rust 
This is so profound and uncanny. It is an affirmation for me that what we create helps us connect to nature and to our own nature. Thank you so much for taking the time to create the installation and sharing these images with the world. I love the concept of the positive intent in the work and it reminds me of the healing power that comes from what is spiritual in art.
It is a pleasure to make it and to share it, and I am grateful for the appreciation people show about my art. I truly believe that we should be much more consciously aware of the intention we have while making an artwork, as we are putting so much creative and healing energy into it. In the olden times the healers and artists were one and the same, that idea somehow makes a lot of sense to me.
Artists as healers, I love that notion. Thank you for helping me clarify that in my own process. All the best to you.
Thank you!
What an amazing affirmation for your artwork, and your blessing on the desert. It says it all when wild creatures find their way into the equation.
Thank you, Jen. I believe it is so important that we understand ourselfs and what we do as really being part of everything and interconnected and not separate. And it feels good if we get it right to do that more consciously and see the beautiful results.
Hi, Imke.This is great!
Congratulations! Like the Great Wall of China! 😉 (joke)
Cheers,
Rafael
Thank you Rafael, and for putting a smile on my face 🙂 We all leave our marks, great or small, and even the smallest thing we do will be seen and be a testament of who we are.
You’re absolutely right, Imke. It’s more, most of times our better marks are made in the hearts of the persons that we love. No matter the recognize of people about our art, the only important thing is the personal satisfaction of the well done work. ( And of course if someone buy it 😉 -even the artists need to eat sometimes-)
Cheers,
Rafael
Double cool. The bird is a chestnut banded plover (near threatened species) and they love salt pans…. and your salt circles! well done, art and nature unite!
Hi Jean-Paul – nice to hear from you here! and thank you for your compliment. And for pointing out the proper name – I have changed it in the post.
this is so cool! wow, somehow gives it a whole new dimension… who knows who is watching your landart from up there :-).
and yes, nature does recognize and appreciate! xxx
I agree, it adds a different dimension and perspective. I was so surprised to find it and that it was/is still so visible. Danke Jutta, for all your love and support! hugs!