An artist spent decades hand-carving intricate 40-foot caves in New Mexico

May 2024 · 2 minute read

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Artist Ra Paulette has spent decades hand-carving intricate caves, shrines, and caverns in the sandstone hills near Ojo Caliente, New Mexico.

A photo posted by Colby Moore (@colbyshootspeople)Apr 30, 2015 at 10:10am PDT

These larger-than-life works of art — some looming 30 to 40 feet high — are all built by hand with simple tools like pick axes and shovels. While technically subterranean, Paulette creates vertical shafts that lead out of the cave, so that the carvings and caverns are bathed in natural light. 

The juxtaposition of being underground while light streams in from the shafts is meant to be "transformational," Paulette said in an Oscar-nominated documentary about his work, named "Cavedigger."

A photo posted by Meg Nordmann (@megnordmann)Jul 22, 2015 at 7:03pm PDT

Not only does Paulette dig these giant caves, he carves intricate motifs into their soft sandstone, adding a spiritual vibe.

A photo posted by J a S o o n K i m (@omjsk)Jan 18, 2015 at 8:08am PST

Paulette has dug dozens of these sanctoriums, some of which were open to the public, but have since been closed due to vandalism. Since 2010, Paulette has been working independently on his "magnum opus," a massive cave-carving project he predicts will take 10 years to complete. 

A photo posted by @newmexicomagicJun 20, 2015 at 9:11am PDT

Some of the caves are used for spiritual retreats, meditation, and "sound healing."

A photo posted by Origin at Rancho de San Juan (@origin.new.mexico)Jan 17, 2016 at 6:40pm PST

Visitors keen to experience Paulette's artistry and the spiritual power of the caverns can take guided tours through luxury resort Origin.

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