Web We Wove, 2015

site-based sculpture
Achenbach Canyon, Las Cruces, NM

Web We Wove was a temporary sculpture created by Faith Purvey and Shaunna Foster in the Organ Mountain’s Achenbach Canyon, installed for 2 weeeks. Hikers who make the journey to Achenbach Canyon traverse ever-changing landscape, following switchbacks along a ridge where rocks unfold into vast meadows. Like hands parting, the landscape generously reveals its hidden places to those who invest in getting there.

The site features a rain-fed cattle tank and natural watering area. Using 30 ft lengths of durable Kevlar lashed together with burlap twine, Faith and Shaunna wove a web. It was anchored to an old cement wall using existing hardware and held sculptural reflective droplets. Visible from a distance, from up close, or from below, the web invited hikers to consider the ancient creatures who have always lived here. As a response to the place, Web We Wove exaggerated and expressed something about the site that is essential, timeless but sometimes forgotten. Special thanks to Lauren Goldstein and Eric Shack.

Web We Wove was part of the project Organ Monument Oratory. For more information, visit the project website.