This weekend I wondered through the woods exploring the area around my home. I've done this often but there was something different about this exploration. This time I let the wind guide me through the woods, and I made a point to look with new eyes at the land. I took time to pay attention to the beauty of the lines, textures, and forms created by both nature and man. While it was a little hike (ATV ride actually) to the tripod stand, I still consider that hunting stand my point of departure. Why is this? Why was my begining not when I stepped out of my house? Well, I had never actually been up in the hunting stand, even though I'd passed it often on ATV rides and walks. I'm not exactly a fan of hights, but if I was going to get a new perspective on this land I was going to have to go up. So up I went. A bird's eye view is what I found. A view of newly sprouted feed plots, farming fields, trails, hay rolls, and, of course, my loyal lab Volt was waiting down at the base for me. Looking out of each canvas draped window gave me a different view; each with its own unique beauty. From this vantage point I formulated a plan for my exploration. AKA, my derive.
Out each window presented a trail I could follow. I would walk them and see what treasures I could find. First I went to inspect the feed plot. Interesting that I'd never really done this before. Then again I've always known to keep human feet and vehicles off the land that was ment to be a buffet for the deer. Along the edge of the winter wheet were little yellow flowers growing. They seemed so fragile and beautiful. The green of the new growth and the smattering of yellow flowers gave a hint that spring was just around the corner. But on this particular day, it was still cold.
From the feed plot I walked back to the stand then made a turn and headed for the hay rolls. These rolls have been here for years and I have watched as they have slowly lost their round form as they seek to reunite with their earthen bed. The lines created by the wrapped hay radiating form the roll's center were hypnotizing. One over the other over the other of hay strands pushed together by presure and repeated rolling create a beautiful form. Depending on which way you ran your hand across the surface it was rough, smooth or the ever prevolant itchy. While I inspected the hay rolls, Volt was on a hunt for some treasure he was sure was buried within them.
Just beyond the hay and down a little hill is Norwood Creek.Volt was so happy to see the water and play. I was fascinated with the lines created by the shadows of the trees on the water, the textures of the decaying tree stumps, and the ever present Posted sign. In this location I found a pluthera of intriguing natural forms. The sound of the water gently moving through the curve in the creek, the sound of the wind coming through the trees bringing with it the smells of sunset together entranced me. Before I realized it I had been investigating this particular area (about 20'x20') for about 30 minutes. Snapping pictures of the natural forms from different angles and distances. My mind was flooding with textures, patterns, lines and ideas of how to use them to create new art. (When I have time to create that is)
Volt's barking at some unseen animal in the woods jolted me back to reality. So I continued my walk. I found myself at the bone pile. (The final spot for wild animals who dare to attack my chickens) When we first moved to the area there was a large cow being reclaimed by the earth at this very spot. There have been many more small animals that have joined that cow for their final stage of the life cycle. I've always been fascinated by bones. The organic form that is the support for a larger being is beautiful; especially when looked at through the lens of an artist appreciating shape and form. Kicking around the dirt a bit I found some skulls from the racoons who thought they were going to have chicken for dinner. Of, course with camera in hand on my journey, many images were taken here. I wasn't at the bone pile for long when I heard the farm bell ringing from home. That could only mean one of two things. Either my kids needed me for something, or my wonderful husband had ribs ready for dinner. So it was back to a trail towards home I went. Happily, it was my husband ringing the dinner bell. Yummy.
Below is a short video from the images I took on my derive.
Out each window presented a trail I could follow. I would walk them and see what treasures I could find. First I went to inspect the feed plot. Interesting that I'd never really done this before. Then again I've always known to keep human feet and vehicles off the land that was ment to be a buffet for the deer. Along the edge of the winter wheet were little yellow flowers growing. They seemed so fragile and beautiful. The green of the new growth and the smattering of yellow flowers gave a hint that spring was just around the corner. But on this particular day, it was still cold.
From the feed plot I walked back to the stand then made a turn and headed for the hay rolls. These rolls have been here for years and I have watched as they have slowly lost their round form as they seek to reunite with their earthen bed. The lines created by the wrapped hay radiating form the roll's center were hypnotizing. One over the other over the other of hay strands pushed together by presure and repeated rolling create a beautiful form. Depending on which way you ran your hand across the surface it was rough, smooth or the ever prevolant itchy. While I inspected the hay rolls, Volt was on a hunt for some treasure he was sure was buried within them.
Just beyond the hay and down a little hill is Norwood Creek.Volt was so happy to see the water and play. I was fascinated with the lines created by the shadows of the trees on the water, the textures of the decaying tree stumps, and the ever present Posted sign. In this location I found a pluthera of intriguing natural forms. The sound of the water gently moving through the curve in the creek, the sound of the wind coming through the trees bringing with it the smells of sunset together entranced me. Before I realized it I had been investigating this particular area (about 20'x20') for about 30 minutes. Snapping pictures of the natural forms from different angles and distances. My mind was flooding with textures, patterns, lines and ideas of how to use them to create new art. (When I have time to create that is)
Volt's barking at some unseen animal in the woods jolted me back to reality. So I continued my walk. I found myself at the bone pile. (The final spot for wild animals who dare to attack my chickens) When we first moved to the area there was a large cow being reclaimed by the earth at this very spot. There have been many more small animals that have joined that cow for their final stage of the life cycle. I've always been fascinated by bones. The organic form that is the support for a larger being is beautiful; especially when looked at through the lens of an artist appreciating shape and form. Kicking around the dirt a bit I found some skulls from the racoons who thought they were going to have chicken for dinner. Of, course with camera in hand on my journey, many images were taken here. I wasn't at the bone pile for long when I heard the farm bell ringing from home. That could only mean one of two things. Either my kids needed me for something, or my wonderful husband had ribs ready for dinner. So it was back to a trail towards home I went. Happily, it was my husband ringing the dinner bell. Yummy.
Below is a short video from the images I took on my derive.
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