Cave exploration meets art in the hand-carved caverns of New Mexico.
I write a lot about caves. I don’t know if it is my subconscious constantly questioning why I don’t like vaginas, or just a fascination with nature in general, but one thing is for sure; cave exploration is at the top of my to-do list. It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way, because New Mexico artist Ra Paulette has been wandering around transforming natural caverns into works of art for over 25 years, so they can be enjoyed by nature enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
Paulette has created a magical underground world across 14 different caves in the desert near San Jose, using nothing but a set of chiseling tools. He transforms the natural crevices into breathtaking spaces, creating skylights to let the sun in, carving benches where you can relax, and covering the walls in sculptures of everything from flowers, to random flourishes.
READ MORE: Have You Ever Wanted to go Clubbing in a Cave?
No two caves are alike, and after he is done working, Paulette just leaves the caves to be discovered by others, which to me is a pretty spiritual artistic endeavor.
It is now officially my dream to go explore the deserts of New Mexico and track down one of these caves. Anyone else want to go spelunking?
