 |
 |
 |
| Copyright ©2001 Linda Gass |
| Title: Geography of Hope: Hetch Hetchy |
| Dimensions: 25 x 32 inches |
| Artist Statement: The debate over Hetch Hetchy valley concerned the very definition of conservation. John Muir described Hetch Hetchy valley as “one of Nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples” yet the city of San Francisco was in search of cheap, plentiful water and had identified the valley as a site where a relatively small dam could be built. The valley is on federal land and required an act of congress to build a dam. Hetch Hetchy was the first national debate over the use of the wilderness in US History, a struggle that lasted 12 years. Today, the city of San Francisco continues to hold water rights and profit from hydroelectric power revenues generated from National Parklands, originally set aside for preservation. Should we continue on this path when more sustainable and less destructive alternatives exist? |
| Materials and Techniques: Cotton background and backing. Hand painted silk charmeuse rivers fused to cotton. Head transferred original photographs and handwritten text. Cotton batting, machine quilted with nylon monofilament and cotton thread. Silk dupioni binding. |
| Detail: Click here to see a detail of the quilt |
| Related Links: To learn more about the history and proposed restoration, visit Restore Hetch Hetchy. |