Internet Activity - handout A
Robert Smithson and James Turrell
Environmental Artists

Name: ________________________

Instructions: During this activity, you will be using the resources of the Internet to find information about the environmental artists Robert Smithson and James Turrell. The questions are broken down into three sections. The Web site listed before each section will lead you to the information needed to answer the questions in that section. Please stay on the listed sites to avoid improper Website access.

Web site title: "Robert Smithson"
Address: http://www.robertsmithson.com/
Directions for site: Click on picture of Spiral Jetty to enter site.

1. Locate and click the Earthworks link. Locate and click the Spiral Hill link.

When did Robert Smithson build Spiral Hill?_______________________

What Environmental elements did Smithson use in Spiral Hill? __________________________________________________________________

How do you think the viewer is supposed to interact with Spiral HiIl? ____________________________________________________________

2. Locate and click the Earthworks link. Locate and click the Amarillo Ramp link.

When did Robert Smithson build Amarillo Ramp?___________________

Can you still visit it today? _____________________________________

3. On the same page, locate and click on the Amarillo Ramp link under drawings. Briefly sketch the drawing in the space below.
Web site title: PBS -Art: 21 - James Turrell
Web site address: http://www.pbs.org/art21/artists/turrell/

4. Read the biography section for James Turrell.

Turrell uses what environmental element/s in his art? ________________

Turrell's art allows us to see ourselves ___________________.

5. Under the biography section, locate and click on the box labeled "Detail of Atlan."

How does the viewer interact with Atlan? __________________________ ____________________________________________________________

What does the viewer become aware of as they reach to touch the blue box? ____________________________________________________________

Describe the environmental phenomenon Ganzfeld. __________________ ____________________________________________________________

Where could you expect to witness a Ganzfeld? ______________________

Would you consider Atlan and environmental artwork? _______ Why/Why not? ________________________________________________________

Web site title: James Turrell: The Roden Crater Project, 1989
Web site address: http://home.sprynet.com/~mindweb/page38.htm

6. Notice the picture of the model for Roden Crater and read the information on the page.

What natural entity is Roden Crater fundamentally tied to? _____________

Why do you think Turrell chose a crater for his work? _________________ ____________________________________________________________

Briefly describe how the viewer will interact with light in Roden Crater.

Would you go see Roden Crater if you could? _____ Why/Why not? __________________________________________