The Art of Impermanence

23 May

Have you ever stumbled across an earth altar on the beach and wondered who was this person who took the time to build this amazing piece of art and then walk away?

I've recently got to spend some time with the beautiful Azayliah Rose who is an artist in Byron Bay. I joined her in the creation of an earth altar from the process of wondering the forest seeking out materials and inspiration to the creation of the altar on the beach.

A big shout out to Laura Kurataya who introduced me to this earth angel and collaborated with me in the concept and direction of this shoot.

What is an earth altar and why build one?

An earth altar is an offering to pachamama / mother earth. A prayer, a thank you for all the nourishment, healing, beauty and support she provides us with and honouring to the greater mystery.

Tell us about the process of making an earth altar and what they are made from?

Earth altars are made from natural materials, these are readily available wherever we travel.

When I forage for the materials I follow my instincts. It’s a DEEP listening to what I refer to as nature’s oracles. The seeds, stones, petals and bones speak to me and guide me to create. I never know what’s going to evolve.

Where did you learn the art of earth altar creation?

This tool was shared to me by some of my dear teachers/friends who have spent a lot of time with the elders in Costa Rica.

Is each design pre-planned or do you create in the moment?

I always have an open plan, because many times I have tried to create an idea but what I collect doesn’t align with the original idea. Planning seems to never work for me so SURRENDERING to the moment and deeply listening to what is wanting to come through has been the best way to allow them to be created.

How long does it take to build?

Anywhere from and 1 hour to 5 hours depending on the size. I made one in the middle of Deya Dovas dance floors for one of her events and we had to carry buckets of sand in from the beach which took a few hours.

What happens to the earth altar after it's complete?

It's left in nature for people to discover and admire. Eventually it will be absorbed back into nature. Just like a flower blooms and dies, just like the sun rises and sets, just like we birth and die, the altar is created and surrendered. That is the beauty of creation.