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

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.

photo via Ra Paulette

photo via Karoff Films

photo via Ra Paulette

photo via Karoff Films

photo via Ra Paulette