Earthcaster

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Thomas Sayre is a sculptor whose work blends art and science, addresses the past and future, joins the natural and manmade in a delicate dance, and ultimately transforms the view and the viewer by reframing discrete spaces. Sayre's process - creating massive sculptures by casting earth-colored concrete in the ground - is called earthcasting. It is unique in the world of public art. The process is always collaborative, involving whole communities and many individuals who might not otherwise meet. Backhoe operators, concrete finishers, public officials and citizens are essential to this art. Sayre is not the stereotype of the artist as lone maverick. Indeed, when Sayre is most successful, the pleasure of creation is broadly shared and the relationships endure. But success has not come easily. As the great-grandson of Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Sayre was always expected to do big things. Growing up on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral where his father was dean, Thomas was influenced by the stonemasons and carvers working there. But he was a poor student. Ultimately, his struggle with dyslexia seemed to heighten his visual acuity. But he has worked very hard all his life. EARTHCASTER follows the story of Sayre's projects in Portland, Oregon, Baltimore, Maryland, and Lenoir, North Carolina. The film reveals the passion and purpose of a 65 year old man who still works very hard every day.