Flooded Corn Field

The South Skunk River has been cresting for the last two weeks. Last night we had a big storm that contributed to flood large portions of Ames (Iowa) my hometown. The corn has been growing very strong in the fields where I get the materials to make corn paper. I was looking forward for the corn to mature and dry before it was time to see the big machinery collecting the corn during harvest time.


This afternoon I went to see how the flood had affected the corn and this is what I found: The river was running thorough the corn field. All "my corn" will be ruined! I hope the farmers who own the field have flood insurance. After I finished shooting this video, I found out that the town water plant was shut down. We were advised to boil the residual water before drinking it. A trip to the supermarket to get bottled water made me see how we act during emergencies.

There was no water left over to buy, and the lines of hoarders with their supermarket carts loaded with bottled water went to the back of the store. It was very busy and I got to think about people in other cities during an emergency (New Orleans, New York, the Florida Keys). I found an abandoned 12-pack of flavored water and I grabbed it along with two cases of seltzer water, the only water I found to buy. I will continue reporting about my corn paper project, hopefully not under this case of emergency. I still have two ears of corn left over to eat for dinner.

Hand-made Corn Paper (2) - Collecting dry materials from the field

This is an early spring activity. I prefer to collect corn stalks, husks, and roots after they have gone through the process of decomposition in the fall and they have been covered with snow for the entire winter. Once the snow has melted, just about the same time the crocus and tulips begin to sprout, I go out to the field with my oldest son, and I carry a black plastic garden bag.



The fields can be very dry and dusty, and we need to wear leather gloves to avoid getting splinters in our hands. Last year I was very ambitious and collected four bags full of dry material. This is when the fun begins.

Evolution of Corn: A Mural in Ames (Iowa, USA)

This mural titled "Evolution of Corn" is located at the city of Ames's post office. Lowell Houser, an artist from Ames known for his wood blocks and black and white drawings, painted the mural in 1935 as a commission from the Treasury Department Art Project.

The "Evolution of Corn" mural gives context to my hand-made corn paper project: The Aztec and industrial motifs; the Amerindian and European farmers; the green, red, gold, and silver colors of the palette are all my inspirations.

Photo by Eduardo García & Susan A. Vega García