Ghost Waters
An Overview of Owens Lake
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What is Left of Owens Lake
Owens Lake is a dry lake in the Eastern Sierras of California that was infamously diverted into the Los Angeles Aqueduct by William Mulholland. It is known as Patsiata by the native Nüümü tribe. It covered around 110 square miles and varied in depth from 23 to 49 feet.
The area used to be verdant and full of water. There was a bountiful ecosystem that sustained the native people and all sorts of plants and wildlife. It was an important stop on the Pacific Flyway for migrating birds.
In the late 1800s the native people were driven out of the valley by colonizing farmers. Some were shot by the US Calvary in Owens Lake as they attempted to swim to safety.
Owens Lake 2: Painting Full View
Owens Lake 2: Source Image
Los Angeles Aqueduct
After the native people were driven out the farmers lost out to city officials and land developers who were looking to expand Los Angeles. They quietly bought up property in the valley and the water rights along with it. Once they had acquired enough they channeled the water to the Los Angeles basin.
The empty lake bed generates toxic dust which blows around the valley causing respiratory problems for residents. Some of the sediments contain carcinogens.
Restoring the Lake
The native Nüümü tribe has been working to restore the Owens Lake ecosystem and have been fighting to return the water to the valley. The aim is to create a healthy system and reduce the toxic dust.
Owens Lake 1: First of the series, closeup of Owens Lake
The Artwork
For this watercolors I used Hahnemuhle paper, made of 100% cotton. For the paint I used watercolor inks and metallic watercolors as a way to remember the reflection of the water the land once held.
Owens Lake – 2: Finished artwork
Owens Lake – 2: Work in Progress
