38th Annual Sculpture in the Garden
This was the first time I visited the annual sculpture exhibit at the botanical garden without Tim. It was also later than usual, in November instead of once in September and twice in October when we went before. The sun was noticeably lower in the sky and offering a different sort of light for photography. It was good having Sally with me this time, though, and we had a good time identifying plants and commenting on the artwork. There were 74 sculptures but I’m only sharing 13 of my favorites. Even so, this post will be way too long! I just had to add some flowers, a couple of anoles, and a couple of adorable squirrels, too.
Paperboy depicts a paper wasp drying its wings in the sun.
It is made from scrap metal including old tools, canisters,
and bearings with the head that spins 360 degrees.
A mosaic dedicated to the elusive blue lady, an abstract human form.
(cement and glass)
Growing up and traveling in the South, you cannot go far without seeing weird little creatures such as the opossum and the armadillo. These animals are so intriguing and fascinating in their movements, characteristic, and appearance. This piece enables the two to interact, socialize, and (of course) gossip about their observations of the selfish, preoccupied, and distracted nature of humans.
(stoneware)
Inspired by industry and organic bone forms, Genesis II is a bridge between these seemingly opposed realms. The overall form radiates outwards from a singular core seed. The marks of my hammer and welding gun linger on the graceful steel form. Metal manufacturing techniques are paradoxically used to create a sculpture which feels fluid, natural, and timeless.
(cor-ten steel with railroad tie base)
Outdoor totem reflecting on the nature of clay and its unique properties. The Nature of clay in the natural world.
(ceramic, steel, cement)
My apologies to the creator of the sculpture that this anole (above and below, front and back) is sitting on. I neglected to get your name, or any other information off the sign, because I was so surprised to see this tiny creature sitting on it. It might be a baby. I’ve crossed paths with a few tiny anoles in the past week or two and AI tells me late-season anole eggs frequently hatch throughout October and November.
I take great joy in spotting mushrooms that pop up unexpectedly along familiar hikes or garden beds. I hope these mushrooms elicit that same simple yet magical feeling.
(stoneware)
(ceramic and acrylic)
I was inspired to sculpt “A Tale of Vanity” after I heard the Cherokee story of “Why the Opossum’s Tail Is Bare.” In this traditional tale, Opossum once had a long, beautiful tail he loved to show off. Jealous of the attention, Rabbit plotted a trick and sent Cricket — the “barber” — to secretly trim off all the fur while pretending to prepare Opossum for a dance. When Opossum proudly stepped into the circle and unveiled his tail, the animals burst into laughter. Only then did he realize it was completely bare. Shocked and embarrassed, he fell over grinning — just as opossums still do when they are surprised. I hope you enjoy my visual interpretation of the shock the Opossum must have felt!
(clay, glazes, mirror, ceramic shards)
I started this piece by making the baby owls then realized they needed a mama owl and nest. I am amazed by the colors of rainbow eucalyptus, so much more exciting than brown, thus the colorful tree trunk!
(ceramic – wheel thrown and hand built)
As we were leaving I caught sight of this brightly colored maple sapling across the parking lot. A lovely ending to a perfect autumn day.