Upholding Wonder is the third in a series of video interviews with beloved Orion writers, produced for Orion by filmmaker Haydn Reese and Magnolia Films.

Are CD ROMs replacing our experience of nature? Authors Barry Lopez, Scott Sanders, and Robert Pyle examine the ways in which children, particularly, are deprived of the subjective experience of the natural world - both through lack of a naturalist education and by the introduction of new technologies.

Sculptures by Melissa Stern
(Courtesy John Elder Gallery, NYC)

Melissa Stern recreates a world of another time in her series "3rd Grade", evoking the wonder and pain of childhood and learning. Using clay, paper, wax and pencil, Stern creates sculptures of imposing density and uncommon tactile beauty.

Shown here: "Biology" (2000) and
"Knows the Answer" (2000)

Play 28.8k movie | Play 56k movie

Quicktime Required:

In order to view these interviews, it is necessary to install a QuickTime player (version 6 or above, if you don't already have one). It's easy, quick, and FREE. Just click on the QuickTime icon above. The Download page will ask you for your name and e-mail address, but you don't have to supply it to get the QuickTime Player. Just hit the Download button.

A word about video & connection speeds:
If you are like most of us, your connection speed is less than desirable. Regardless, you can view either version of the interview - it just may take longer.

The Low-resolution version is a smaller viweing window with lower quality video and audio. At a 28,800 connection speed, it should begin to play in about 40 seconds. At higher speeds it will play even faster. It will look and sound the same at any speed.

The High-resolution version is a larger viewing window with much higher quality video and audio. At a 28,800 connection speed, it will take a very long time to buffer before it begins to play, and may stop and start until it is completely downloaded. With a high bandwidth connection it will play more or less immediately. It too will look the same at any speed.