How to Make a Soil Rubbing

soil

From the book, Unpacked: An Soul’s Guide to the Art of Relocation

Six simple steps to celebrate the ground you’ve walked together.

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First, make a list of places that have been important to you.

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Next, map out how you want the piece to look when it’s done.

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Have fun collecting soil samples from your favorite places, making sure to label each location.

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Grind up a few of your samples and rub them into a piece of test paper to see what kind of colors and textures you get.

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When you have chosen your paper stock and a palette of soils, grind the samples into a powder, then use your finger tips to rub the soils into your paper.

I like a 20 x 30” watercolor paper with a bit of texture.

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Take your time as you rub the soil into the paper. When you like your result, turn the paper vertical to let the extra soil fall away without further touching.

This is a meditative art project so you may be moved. In my case, I dropped more than a single tear while I reflected about the ground my friends and I had walked together.

Christine KraftUnpacked, Saying Goodbye, soil rubbing