Heart of Mother Earth

Heart of Mother Earth Clarkston, Georgia · 2024–25 Heart of Mother Earth is a large-scale public art installation exploring the sacred relationship between humanity and the natural world. Standing approximately eight feet tall, the anatomical heart is constructed from a steel framework, preserved moss, and other natural materials. The sculpture is surrounded by a native pollinator meadow at Trailside Green in Clarkston, Georgia, creating a living installation that changes with the seasons. Shannon created the work as an offering of gratitude to the Earth—a reminder that the planet continually provides the water, food, air, and ecosystems that sustain us. In return, the piece asks a simple question: What are we giving back? Rather than separating the artwork from its environment, Heart of Mother Earth becomes part of it. Native plants, pollinators, weather, and seasonal change contribute to the experience, transforming the sculpture into both an artwork and an invitation to practice stewardship. At its heart is the idea of reciprocity: caring for the Earth as the Earth cares for us. The project invites visitors to reconnect with nature, rewild their own spaces, support biodiversity, and recognize that even small acts of environmental care can contribute to a healthier future. Mother Earth is still offering us her heart. How will we care for it in return?