Philosophies of Dirt

2005-2012

“Dirt has a mind. In reading James Jack’s Philosophies of Dirt, here is one idea to which I propose we commit—that not only does dirt have a mind, it uses it. Dirt thinks. Dirt conceives itself in thinking. In that, dirt is, along with fire and other elements, adhering the sustenance and destruction of the earth into a single motivation, the social conscience of the earth.”

—Brandon Shimoda, poet

Philosophies of Dirt

Installation view
2012

Kailua, O‘ahu

pigment and gum arabic on paper
76×56 cm
2011

Mooloch, Oregon

pigment and gum arabic on paper
76×56 cm
2011

Philosophy of Dirt

pigments and gum arabic on paper
76×56 cm
2011

Philosophies of Dirt

glass, pigments and space
Dimensions variable
2012

Philosophies of Dirt

Studio installation view
Dimensions variable
2015