Drawing from his rich family history, deeply rooted in the coal mining industry, artist Richard McVetis explores themes of deep time and our intrinsic connection to landscape, material, and place. As the descendant of Lithuanian immigrants turned miners, McVetis traces the influence of coal—a material formed over 300 million years ago—and examines how this elemental substance continues to shape our lives.
In this illustrated talk, McVetis brings to the surface the hidden and underground landscapes of coal. His exploration spans both the macro and the micro, mapping the industrial landscapes that created the city lights we see today, while also revealing the vast time scales etched into the night sky. Through this lens, he delves into the topography of the mind, where patterns of time become tangible, and our relationship with the environment is laid bare.
The talk is not only an exploration of time and material but also a meditation on potential. By mapping a world through drawing, McVetis reveals possibilities for the future.
