By: Max Jones
From: December 2009

Gary Simpson, a concrete artist in Laguna Beach, California, has a very unique project in the works, Common Ground 191 (www.CommonGround191.com).  The idea that Simpson tries to expand through the world is "Everyone in the world has something in common, the ground we tread on."  Simpson has contacted more that 200 people around the world, of which all of them sent 1 small bag of Soil from their country. 

Gary came up with this idea a few months after the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001.  The artist then developed the idea that every country in the United Nations (191 At That Time) Should send a sample of soil to him for his massive piece of art that is now being displayed in John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) near his home in Orange County, California.

"The idea for the project is that the world is a small circle, and to display how small the world really is." said Simpson in an interview with us last Saturday.  On the Simpson's website, the artist states, "Behind the physical fact that each piece includes a part of each country, integrated into the individual complexion of the piece lays the foundation of my concept as a whole. It is composed, like the Earth itself, of visible masses floating on tectonic plates, converging and diverging."

Simpson admits that process has come about rather slowly. Gary mentioned "I was naive, but I quickly became aware the U.S. Department of Agriculture (now part of Homeland Security) had to be involved." After obtaining permission from the USDA, Simpson was given permit stickers for international countries including, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Zimbabwe.  You can view a complete list of countries HERE.

Soil Donors have no expenses, they must simply be willing to receive the box of materials, collect the soil and deliver it to the in-country freight carrier or office. 

Besides collecting soil in person, there are other ways to support Common Ground 191. You can pre-purchase one of the finished panels for your own collection, or underwrite a specific portion of the project either directly or with in-kind services (such as transportation, exhibition venue and production space).