Inspiration

Density

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Densetrees
UnderpineAlthough my trip to Oregon last weekend coincided with "Rhodie Days," the peak blooming period of the amazingly vivid rhododendrons, I was more fascinated by the density of forest and underpinnings in the coastal area we visited. Here are a couple of photos that show the dense patterning on display in giant stands of trees. Moss and lichen abound. Walking or driving past the trees created all kinds of kinetic light and shadow patterns that I was unable to capture, except in memory.

Rauschenberg Combines

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MigrationrrNews of Robert Rauschenberg's passing reminds me of how much I have admired his work and his enthusiasm for found materials -- particularly his "Combines." I can relate to the fact that "He loved making something out of nothing." In fact, I've always liked the way the verb "combines" becomes a noun by virtue of his work. What a life, what a body of work, what an inspiration... He is quoted as saying, "I don't really trust ideas, especially good ones. Rather I put my trust in the materials that confront me, because they put me in touch with the unknown." At left is "Migration," from 1959, a combine: oil, paper, fabric, printed reproductions, printed paper, and wood on canvas.

Ruby Moon Seedlings

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SeedlingsI wrote about my seed-starting project a while back. The seeds were harvested from last year's Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean plant. They have taken over one end of my desk and now stand 9-10 inches tall. Hopefully I can plant them outside soon. These are a vine-like plant, with purplish stems and veins and bright green leaves. Late in the summer they have amazing fuschia to purple-colored pea-like pods. I plan to do some studies of them in my Green sketchbook.