We are sky.

I've been thinking about separations lately - the edges and boundaries that we create for ourselves. Most of us certainly have psychological separations in the social and political realms of our lives, but I’ve also been thinking about these edges when it comes to thinking about ecology.

When we think about the sky, we may think about it as this immutable blue beyond… it is a layer of the earth that is way above our heads. And, we still might even say that “the sky’s the limit.”

But, there aren’t any real barriers between us and the sky way above our heads. The separation is an illusion. What we call the Sky reaches right down to the ground that we stand on— The sky starts as soon as the ground ends. What is really interesting is that we’re actually breathing sky. The sky’s molecules of oxygen fill our lungs and populate each of the cells in our bodies. We are sky.

Conversely, on the top side of our atmosphere, where does the sky end and outer space begin?

I realize that we have scientific designations that we’ve given to the layers of this paper-thin cover that sustains life on this planet: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. Each of these layers has a distinct set of temperature, composition, and airflow. But, if you were to take the viewpoint of an astronaut in orbit, would you be able to see an edge where space stops and earth’s atmosphere starts? I imagine that as you approach the atmosphere, the hardness of its edge begins to fall away. It becomes a gradient with space that slowly merges together.

The only hard edge to be seen is that of the ground.

So, essentially, not only are we breathing sky, we are also in space.

As I start to make the journey to the Arctic 10 days from today, these ideas of separation and interconnection are on the top of my mind. What will I see that forever alters how I think about this planet? Who are the people I’ll meet and share this special time with? How can I translate what I learn into new works of art? No doubt I’ll have things to share along the way, so I intend to blog on the ship and will post my writing when I return.

Thank you for being on this journey with me.

This activity is made possible, in part, by funds provided by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) through a grant from The McKnight Foundation.

Atmospheric Initiative

I'm feeling incredibly grateful. Last week, the grants for the Minnesota State Arts Board - Arts Initiative Grants were announced, and I am one of this year’s recipients. I’ll get to share with you a new body of paintings based on our local air quality and atmospheric composition here in Minnesota.

Based on research of both observing the sky and learning about its chemical makeup, I will create a body of new paintings and exhibit them next fall. However, my intent is not to reproduce the appearance of a specific sunset or sunrise, rather, to compose the paintings like infographics, representing the chemical make-up of the air in Hennepin County. Although I imagine these new works will be similar to my latest gradient pieces, the color gradations within the atmosphere paintings will correspond to air pollutants or to the sources of those pollutants. 

I am interested in studying air and atmosphere as a part of our planetary system that is invisible to us but sustains life on this planet. Like many people, I don't really understand much about the air I breathe every day, much less how it is changing because of environmental changes. I'm feeling fortunate that I get this opportunity to dive into learning more about it and sharing what I learn. 

Lindsy Halleckson is a fiscal year 2018 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature; and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Chasing sunsets

Originally published July 30, 2017

I've been studying up in order to catch tonight's sunset. I learned that tonight in Minneapolis, it will set at 8:41pm at 297 degrees Northwest. 

I know of this hidden little 'bench' off of the beaten path in one of the parks where I hike frequently. It's actually just a couple of logs put together on the side of a deer trail. But, it sits on a ridge that overlooks the northwest, so I'm going to go sit and watch the sun go down. Sounds relaxing, right? 

Post hike: Well, it turns out that this bench will make a great spot to catch a winter sunset, not a sunset in July. It faces too far south and is much more overgrown than it was earlier this spring the last time I visited. So, unfortunately, I missed the best part of tonight's sky. At least I caught a sweet look at the moon, though. 

I started a log to record the direction of potential viewing spots so that I'll know what times of the year will be ideal to watch the start or end of the day.

The Arctic Circle

Originally published April 12, 2017

I can't contain my excitement any longer- I'm so happy to have the opportunity to say that I will be a part of an expedition to the Arctic in 2018. More details to come in the next couple of months!

Image: The Farm, Inc.

Atmosphere and Advocacy

Originally published November 11, 2016

Jumping into research for an upcoming project on climate change and atmosphere. I may not be able to understand everything that's in this book, but I hope to at least learn some basics to share with the rest of the world. I can't imagine a more important time in our history for environmental advocacy, and I plan to fight like hell... through my art.

Has this week brought out the fighter or advocate in you? If so, how will you act on those impulses?