Clay formations rival artistic masterpieces
Byron Buckeridge helps set up items from his collection of more than 50 clay conretions, which probably started taking shape when clay was deposited near Lake Superior about 10,000 years ago. The items are on display at the Geology Museum in Weeks Hall, 1215 W. Dayton St. (Photo: Stephanie Judge)
“The Buckeridge Collection of Lake Superior Clay Concretions” will run until Wednesday, Oct. 31.
For about 25 years, Byron Buckeridge and his late wife, Dorothy, probed the southern shores of Lake Superior for concretions, which form when minerals seep between bits of clay, sand or silt and gradually harden. The ones found near Lake Superior probably started taking shape when clay was deposited nearly 10,000 years ago.
In total, the Buckeridges have collected more than 50 concretions. More than two dozen will be displayed. While all are brownish, each one differs in shape and size: some are round and squat, others flat and 2-feet tall.
“They’re so hard to describe because of their variety,” says Klaus Westphal, museum director. “They invite you to come and see them.”
Each concretion has a name, like “Beauty One” or “Confucius’ Soul.” And many rival modern sculptures or ancient figurines. But, as Westphal is quick to point out, “they are not artwork, because art involves the expression of someone’s mind.”
These concretions are simply the result of a natural process that, according to Westphal, enhances the appreciation of nature.
The Geology Museum, 1215 W. Dayton St., is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.