Matéa LeBeau 


wilsonistheworst

hand poked tattoos
in Ithaca, NY

                                                       








Ghost of Drake Well





2021

Wood, nylon fabric
50” x 27” x 45”

A reflection on the exterior of Drake Well, the first commercial oil well in the U.S. widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern petroleum industry. Built in 1859 in Pennsylvania, Drake Well stands today decommissioned and rebuilt from its original form as a monument, museum, and tourist attraction.  The artist’s rendition of the well reflects the haunting feeling she was left with after visiting this historical site in person. 


Funded in part by the Gibian-Rosewater Traveling Research Award