Earth to Echo X Jim Denevan

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When I was a kid movies like “Flight of the Navigator”, “The Goonies” and “Stand by Me” shaped my childhood with stories of adventure and wonder.  I remember leaving theaters with my imagination running wild, feeling tangible jealousy that the children in the movie got to experience such incredible things, filled with hope that I might someday have a grand adventure of my own!  I can still recall so many of the details of those movies even though it’s been YEARS since I’ve watched any of them, I can still remember so vividly the EXCITEMENT! That’s part of the brilliance of the movies that you love as a child isn’t it, that you carry them with you forever?!

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I was so happy to learn about Earth to Echo, a movie by Relativity Media that caters to that same sense of childhood imagination, that tells the story of kids who discover an adorable little alien that needs their help to return home- exactly the kind of story I LIVED for as a child!  This movie will thrill and stoke the imagination of this generation, and I couldn’t be happier for all the kids (and parents) who will leave theaters with that sense of excitement and possibility!

Relativity Media recently commissioned amazing artist Jim Denevan (seen below) to create an experiential sand sculpture at Lucerne Dry Lake (seriously, go to his website and check out Jim’s work- it’s so far beyond incredible!).  So you can imagine how thrilled I was when they invited Lou and I to come check it out!  We roped our friends Jacob + Anne into going with us and left our houses at 3 am to be there for sunrise to watch Jim finish the sculpture.  And then, on a grand adventure of our own, we went up in a helicopter to see the 700,000 sq. ft work of art that Jim and his team had spent the week creating!  It’s the adorable alien “Echo” from the movie, a piece of art that will evaporate in the days to come.  It felt like a dream, lifting up in the helicopter at sunrise and hovering above this giant sand sculpture, with no one except Jim and his team in sight.

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What an adventure, right?!  And here’s a video produced by Jacob that I know you’re going to love!  Thank you Relativity Media for creating this magical experience for us!  xx- Sarah

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Reader Comments

  1. Jane|

    What an amazing experience! I am truly inspired by such a unique expression of art. However, ET scared the heck out of me as a kid and to this day I am pretty creeped out by aliens. Earth to Echo might be a maybe, but go Goonies!

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Oh my gosh! That’s so sad (and kind of funny) that you were traumatized by ET! Maybe you were just too young when you watched it. It IS an intense movie! I don’t think there’s any way you could be scared if “Echo”, you’re probably safe to watch it. :) xx

      Reply
  2. Lauren|

    Thanks so much for sharing this! Lucky you. I’ve long been a fan of Jim’s beach drawings AND his work with Outstanding in the Field. I was lucky enough to attend an OITF dinner in Austin at Green Gate Farms. He is fascinating. What an adventure to get to see him in action. And I love, love, love your site. I think we know someone in common, another talented photographer — Matt Rainwaters. He turned me on to your site. Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Oh hello Lauren! Small world! Oh I’m jealous that you were able to go to one of his OITF dinners! Next on my list for sure. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello! xx

      Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Thank you Corina Nika! So happy I can share them here with all of you! <3

      Reply