Monday, March 28, 2011

Solid and Fluid

Out walking this morning I arrived at the little stream I somehow always return to when I have no intended destination for my walk. There's a magic to this place and today was no different.



close up of stream
close up of stream 











These crystals overlaid on the stream were stunning. The combination of the angular ice and the protean stream beneath beautifully illustrates a sensual tension when two states of matter are in close proximity. It is the spaces where the light refracts from the motion of the stream between the angles of the crystals that compelled me initially to take these photographs.

There is poetry as well in the physical properties of water illustrated in the photos. When I think of water I always picture its fluid state - and seeing the contrast between the liquid and solid forms of water so clearly illustrated reminds me of the many layers of experience and perception that exist - if I am able to see beyond what I want to see. 

 

Monday, March 21, 2011

Spring planning

It is spring and most of the snow has melted off the terraces. It is amazing to see them revealed after several months of snow as you can see below. I've ordered all the vegetable and herb seeds as well as the fruit trees - so there'll be a massive transformation in the coming month or two. 

Here's a description of what is going to be happening with the next phase of the terraced garden:

The medicine and food growing terraces nestle into a south-east facing hillside. Stone walls, paths and steel raised beds will help retain heat and extend the growing season. Medicinal and culinary herbs at the lower level are closest to the kitchen – expediting harvest when cooking. These plants often have little appeal to deer and other browsers and it is hoped that their astringent taste would discourage any further exploration of the garden. The second terrace is the primary vegetable growing area with annual edibles, and an apricot tree planted near the former barn foundation wall. The third terrace hosts the berry canes and the gathering area. The tall wall behind the berry canes can secure netting to drape over the plants when berries are ripe and appealing to birds. The hillside provides a natural windbreak and a clear transition between intensely managed vegetable gardens and the minimally managed meadow beyond. Within this area, fruit and nut bearing trees and shrubs are interspersed with native plants to illustrate the diversity of plant life within an ecotone – or transition zone between ecosystems.

this winter with maximum snow

section of plantings in terrace garden

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Renderings

I've been working with Dan Snow on a set of renderings for a stone maze he and the English Harbour Arts Council propose for a site in Newfoundland. It has been a joy to be part of this process - I can not wait to see this maze completed and become lost in its paths. It will be stunning. 




View from a hill
Entrance
Overhead
Tower and Sculpture


Image Credits

asartfoundation.org - Nancy Steinson Blue Sculpture

mistletoe.org.uk - Alexander Calder Sculpture

www.mermaidsofthelake.com - image of family picnic

Original maze design © Dave Phillips 
Other images courtesy of Dan Snow and Todd Lynch