Gretzel - The Empress’ Castle
Mulch Hay, hemp rope, steel, wood, bread.
12' x 200' x 3000 yards
1998
Shelburne Farms, VT
Gretzel is 80 tons of mulch hay built into a configuration based on a 14th century japanese empress' secret castle. These hay structures were scattered in the forest, accessed through tunnels which lead to these secret spaces. The hay structures vary in size and shape.
Visiotrs at Shellburne Farms, VT were able to follow a half mile long trail of hay bales, like Hansel and Gretel's crumbs, towards the structures in the forest. Each day an organic bakery placed muffins , cookies and other baked goods on the hay bales leading to the piece, so the viewers could take part in revitalization process taking place in the landscape as the mulch hay turns back into the earth.
