How Much Is Too Much ?

Sometimes when I let myself go I come up with something really great. Other times I come up with something like this vine luminary. Of course I was inspired by my recent visit to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota. But how much is too much, I think this is it. Although it is rather whimsical, almost castle like.

I like the vine with the flowers, leaves and buds circling around the piece. The opening in the front with the holes and the narrow leaves at the top don't work for me. This piece is about 14 inches tall and 6 inches wide.I wanted to make something withe a floral vine on it. The container I made was large enough to surround the form I used so I left the front open. I cut holes thinking I'd add some fiber through the holes. Then I decided it could be a luminary and hold a large pillar candle. But fiber wouldn't be good mixed with a candle. Then I cut the top into the shape of long narrow leaves and added the vine.

Anyway I've decided to let it dry and fire it to see how it fares. I have several revisions floating around in my head. I think the vine would be good on a plain background. The tall narrow leaves would be better as a piece by themselves. The opening in the front would be better without the tall narrow leaves and the vine. Gee that's three different pieces I can develop and refine by making this one. So all is not lost; it doesn't hurt to try something even if it isn't quite what I had in mind. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Vistas & Views in Selby Gardens

In the last photo log of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens I've attempted to capture some of the vistas and views. I urge you to visit a public garden, arboretum, or even a local nursery near your home. The rewards are indescribable; my photos barely touch upon the experience.

The original Selby Mediterranean revival home which now houses a garden reading room and a cafe.

 A small shake roofed gazebo.

This is how I think palms should be grown in large groves, tall palms under planted with smaller palms.

Phormium tenax, or New Zealand flax, softening the walls of the conservatory and greenhouse.

Views of downtown Sarasota from the gardens.

Garden workshop building on the right where classes are held; condominium on the left just outside the garden confines. The pine echoes yet softens the tall white building.

 Bold use of analogous colors with coleus and impatiens.

A young palm starting it's life in a garden that's ever evolving.

A fountain cleverly planted with ferns.

Gary reflecting in the garden, captured unaware sitting on a bench.

Cone like blossoms of the Encephalartos gratus cycad palm.

My favorite palm of the day, Bismarkia nobilis, with it's blue gray foliage.

The coconut palm, loaded with coconuts, which I promised to show you.

Stained glass clerestory windows frame the interior of a large gazebo.

Another view of the small gazebo; the white barked tree dwarfs it in this long distance view.

A garden quilt on the wall of the tea room where complimentary tastes of fragrant teas can be had. The tea house is located in the former carriage house of the Selby home.

The gardens are on the shore of Sarasota bay; the bridge to St.Armands is in the distance.

 I associate the garden with the whole experience of being alive, and so, there is nothing in the range of human experience that is separate from what the garden can signify in its eagerness and its insistence, and in its driving energy to live - to grow, to bear fruit.

Stanley Kunitz

Trunks at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Yes we're looking at tree trunks at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens this time. That's me standing under a branch, so much beauty, strength, and wonder in trunks of trees.

 There's much to see and contemplate in nature and gardens.

I don't know what has happened to my relays; they were supposed to be dropped shipped to me. I'll have to call to see where they are. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Bonsai in Selby Gardens

If you've just arrived, in the past two posts we've been touring the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida. Last time we visited the bamboo section and koi pond. Today we'll continue our tour and see the bonsai display.

Bonsai take incredible work to grow, shape and keep healthy and can live hundreds of years. I admire the patience it must have taken those who grew these.

Believe it or not there's still more to see in the gardens like lots of palms, even coconut palms with coconuts, views of the gulf, and more, so stay tuned.

I've added a few items to my Etsy Shop; my shelves were full of pottery pieces I was reluctant to let go. I've decided to make a clean slate for the new year, so I'll be adding more as the days go by. I'm making room for new pieces running around in my head inspired by my trip to the gardens. This post is part of Artists in Blogland, what's happening in the studio. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Bamboo & Koi in Selby Gardens

With a deep freeze covering most of the states and other parts of the world suffering in heat, I hope you can take a bit of respite in the garden rooms I've captured from the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota. Today we're walking through bamboo stands and relaxing by the coolness of the koi pond.

Koi, or nishikigoi, are ornamental varieties of domesticated common carp fish. In Japanese the word koi also has the meaning of love or friendship so koi are a symbol of love and friendship.

More garden rooms are around the corner, so stay tuned. This garden trip has stimulated and inspired many thoughts about work in clay but I'm letting my ideas percolate for a while. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.