“Unearthed” is an ongoing project by artist Pamela Sloan, who  buries paper in symbolic locations, allowing the soil erosion to transform the paper. Once removed from the soil, Pam determines whether and how to modify what remains.

Several of these pieces are dedicated to the environmental work of Aldo Leopold (1887-1948), and were made possible via collaborations with the Leopold Landscape Alliance in Burlington, Iowa, the Aldo Leopold Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, and White Oak Savanna in Wisconsin. Inspired by Leopold’s profound ecological insights, these works explore the interconnectedness of land, soil, and life.  Video

Papers are currently  buried in historic Chicago locations that have been transformed from industrial to naturalized areas including: The Chicago Portage, Steelworkers Park, Big Marsh Park, and Westridge Park.

Unearthed was a solo exhibit at the Art Center of Burlington, Leopold’s home town.