Lake Superior Rock Art

Geological History Captured in Art ~

What remains of the rocks contained in the Mid Continental Rift can sometimes be found on the shores of Lake Superior. Trapped deep below the lake are the remains of rocks contained in this rift. Tidal forces can break them loose and carry them to the shore of Lake Superior. Walking along the beaches some days you will find only sand, but other times we will find rocks that have survived this multi million year weathering process. 

Working with these geologic timepieces, Rockman handcrafts his masterpieces. Like the rock artists who came before him who made stone tools, or the master cave painters who captured on rock the struggle to survive, Rockman’s pieces represent an ability to endure stretching back millions of years. 

Taking cues from enduring stone tools, jewelry, and art from cultures around the world, Rockman pays homage to the rock artists across time. From the explorers who came across the ancient land bridge using stone tools, to the captivating stone jewelry of Africa, all serve as inspiration for mankind's ability to work with nature and create something that will endure.

Preserving Geological History for the future ~

The rocks formed across millions of years compressed into the rift are not eternal. Time, weather, and geological forces all serve to take a toil every year. The contents of this rift include meteoric rocks that struck our planet millions of years ago, as well as sedimentary deposits brought across hundreds of miles to be deposited in the region. Atmospheric matter from across the world was similarly deposited. This makes the rift a geological time capsule from an age long past. 

In addition to working with these rocks, Rockman also works to preserve them from further destruction. By collecting, and preserving these rocks, Rockman is ensuring pieces of this fascinating piece of our geological history are not lost forever. The history of Lake Superior is more than just the history of the water flowing through the lake. It is the rocks deposited millions of years ago beneath the waves. It is the rift almost cracking our continent. It is the volcanic activity, and sediment that flowed to fill the gap. It is the millions of footsteps upon its shore every year who experience but a tiny slice of this geological journey.

The works of art below are just a small sample of William Gooder's collection that preserves this history for generations to come.