I Love A Place When It Becomes A Part Of Me
The memories of a place in time brings the heart such joy….
Table Rock State Park in South Carolina
waking up this morning, I could not free my self from the thoughts that surround me
like the stream that flows so fluidly
my mind embraces and caresses the rock of my salvation…
nurturing the journey within….
Lake Greenwood and Shore
Another beautiful afternoon at the lake, on a brisk cool day….
Our day at the lake was very memorable
“I remember a hundred lovely lakes, and recall the fragrant breath of pine and fir and cedar and poplar trees. The trail has strung upon it, as upon a thread of silk, opalescent dawns and saffron sunsets.” – Hamlin Garland
“Let yourself be open and life will be easier. A spoon of salt in a glass of water makes the water undrinkable. A spoon of salt in a lake is almost unnoticed.” – The Buddha
Weekly Photo Challenge: Peaceful 03 – Slow Creek and Trees
A lovely hike of leisure along a creek in the low-country of South Carolina….
During my 2005 artist in residency with the South Carolina State Parks, I had some time to hike and reflect. An important source of inspiration was the beautiful landscape at Barnwell State Park. Here I discovered a trail that meandered by a slow-moving creek. Trees over-hanging, and the glimpse of sunlight flickering on the water made for an exciting contemplative view.
Finding peace in nature and solitude
Life offers some very rewarding peaceful moments….
Finding My Way Back Home
Finding My Way Back Home….
the road I know
has left me behind
so I go
through the rain
that pours like shadows
driving to find my way back home
Gotta find my way back home
Weekly Photo Challenge: Opportunity 03
Over the years, I have been awarded several artist’s fellowships for interdisciplinary pursuits. In 2004, I was awarded my second artist residency. It was with the South Carolina State Parks’ artist residency program. It was an opportunity that I truly looked forward to participating in. I was commissioned to showcase the lovely character of Barnwell State Park, located in the midlands of SC, in exchange for a week’s stay in one of their cabins. Barnwell is a natural resource park, quiet and remote, while featuring a beautiful lake for fishing and canoeing. The solitude of the landscape was fantastic and it provided great inspiration for the project.
In the photo I am standing with one of two images I completed for the project. The finished work is included in the South Carolina State Park Artist Collection.
Barnwell State Park, South Carolina
Weekly Photo Challenge: Path 04 – Caesars Head Waterfall
There was a lot of interest in my Path 02, the Caesars Head trail. And I mentioned that there was a lovely waterfall (the highest and longest in South Carolina) located at the end the 2.2 mile marker. So thought I would add this photograph of the waterfall to give a sense of the beauty that awaits one who hikes the trail to the lookout point. The waterfall is located across from an expansive gorge.
The waterfall across from the lookout point at Caesars Head
Weekly Photo Challenge: Path 02
Sometimes a path is a beautiful day—hiking a trail that leads to a destination of longing and discovery.
Hiking the Caesars Head trail in South Carolina
Art for Summer Vacations
- Art for Vacations / to journey without moving
Art for Summer Vacations
It is that time of the year when we vacation or if we have
the opportunity we “Get Out and See”. Summer
is here, and the temperature is rising. We search for that place to cool our
days and excite our senses. If we are lucky we travel to far off places and
discover ourselves anew while basking in the view of a beautiful sunrise or
sunset. We spend our afternoons lazily browsing small vintage shops, historical
sites, museums, gardens of beauty and restaurants of epicurean delights. I have
not travelled much abroad, but I am grateful to have visited both The
Netherlands and France during my 1990 group art exhibition in Deventer Holland.
These locales are wonderful places indeed, and I will never forget the
hospitality and kindness that I received throughout my journey. It is the
people that make a journey abroad so special.
Here in the states, I often carve out a weekend adventure
here or there. I enjoy outdoor activities that test my physical being, and challenge
my sense of adventure. I also like to seek out places that provide emotional
recovery through meditative contemplation and recollection. This is vital for restoration.
I feel a great vacation should always provide moments of excitement and serenity….
What do you think? Where are some of your favorite places to
vacation? What do you seek out most when planning a vacation? Is it to find
adventure or is it to just relax? Do you prefer travels abroad or weekends
close to home? Please share your thoughts.
The art work that I have included in this post, are expressions
of the theme I call “Art for Summer Vacations”. The first piece “Vacation / a
journey without moving” is a collage of photographs I took as I travelled to the
city of Amsterdam, the town of Deventer (both in The Netherlands), the shores
of Cape Cod and Nantucket, and the mountains of North Carolina. The second
image entitled “Summer and its Warm Embrace” is a journey through mountains,
lakes and trails in NC, SC and TN during
personal hikes and an artist residency provided by the South Carolina State
Parks.
- Summer and its Warm Embrace
Weekly Photo Challenge: Sky 3
Sky and Dock in Charleston SC
Sky and dock in Charleston, SC from “The Memories Behind You” series.
n e w d i g i t a l s c a p e s 