Iris Spiral

The spiral is an ancient form—used in labyrinths to encourage walking meditation, and on the sites of other religious traditions. In different hemispheres, water spirals in different directions; Coit imagined that the design of Iris Spiral, an ephemeral earthwork, would be naturally conducive to the way matter moves in the northern hemisphere. She planted iris bulbs so that the sprouting nodes would emphasize the spiral’s line and direction. The points emerged greenly through the snow. Later, when they blossomed, many colors of iris made up the spiral—a riot of scents and colors.