Artist Ra Paulette Is Hand Carving Stunning Sculpted Caves in Sandstone Cliffs in New Mexico

Luminous Caves Hand Sculpted Caverns in New Mexico by Ra Paulette
photo via Karoff Films

For more than 10 years, artist Ra Paulette has been digging and hand carving extraordinary sculpted caverns in the sandstone cliffs of Northern New Mexico. Paulette’s cave complex, entitled Luminous Caves, is lit by sunlight through a series of light shafts. The arching walls are decorated with Paulette’s carved textures and patterns. Paulette describes the caves as “both a shared ecumenical shrine and an otherworldly venue designed to address issues of social welfare and the art of well being.” Luminous Caves are the subject of “CaveDigger,” a short documentary by Jeffrey Karoff.

Luminous Caves Hand Sculpted Caverns in New Mexico by Ra Paulette
photo via Ra Paulette

Luminous Caves Hand Sculpted Caverns in New Mexico by Ra Paulette
photo via Karoff Films

Luminous Caves Hand Sculpted Caverns in New Mexico by Ra Paulette
photo via Ra Paulette

Luminous Caves Hand Sculpted Caverns in New Mexico by Ra Paulette
photo via Karoff Films

Luminous Caves Hand Sculpted Caverns in New Mexico by Ra Paulette
photo via Ra Paulette

E.D.W. Lynch
E.D.W. Lynch

Writer and humor generalist on the Internet and on Facebook.