Six weeks ago, environmental artist Keith Barrett arrived on the Big Island as Volcano's artist in residence. His mission: a community art project.

His installation "Nothing Here Ever Lasts," being unveiled today at the Volcano Arts Center Niaulani Campus, is created from 'ohi'a and lava and inspired, Barrett says, by the Big Island's volatile landscape.

The Volcano installation reflects life, said the artist. "Everything in life changes, including ourselves. What is amazing in Volcano is how close to the surface change is ... literally. (Here) It's right in front of our eyes and beneath our feet. The volcano could make the area disappear at any time and people are OK with that. In fact, incredibly, living on the edge only seems to attract people more to this area."

Barrett's work as an environmental artist explores humans' relationship with landscape and their environment, different in each location.

The 14-by-11-foot Volcano installation is an earthwork incorporating large lava rocks within an 'ohi'a canopy, and something of a halfway house, Barrett says.

"Halfway" because of its mix of natural elements: earth, wood and lava, and its positioning against a man-made structure at the Niaulani campus.

British-born Barrett, known for his large outdoor sculptures in unusual places, lets those who see his work decide the message for themselves.

"I don't proscribe what others may get from my art; everyone will respond differently," he said. "... whether it is to the materials I've used or the choice to put it in a place like Volcano or whatever its meaning might be.

And herein lies the mystery. On each lava rock is inscribed the words "Nothing Here Ever Lasts," a message written in stone that may erode or last long after we are gone.

VAC's Niaulani Campus is in Volcano Village on Old Volcano Road, at the corner of Kalanikoa. 808-967-8222, www.volcanoartcenter.org. See more of Barrett's work at www.keithbarrett.co.uk.

Reach Chris Oliver at coliver@honoluluadvertiser.com.