Sunday, December 29, 2013

Treasure Hunting in The Urban Forest

Treasure Hunting in the Urban Forest
Recently I went exploring in the forest along the Cheasty greenspace.  This patch of the forest lies directly across the street from the Jefferson Park Golf Course and next to Columbia Way and New Holly .  There are lots of bird species and other animals. I've encountered wrens, jays, pileated woodpeckers, and a barred owl.  I've also seen evidence of bobcat and other mammals. It is a great place to escape the city stress, I rarely encounter other people.  It is clear however that volunteers are currently taking out the invasive plants that have taken over.  On a recent walk through the forest  I encountered many pieces of art blending into the environment.  There were many drawings rendered in chalk and charcoal along with numerous sculptures.
Cheasty Forest


forest hermit
screech owl

the trees have eyes
forest guardian
owl
marked tree
owl snag
owl snag detail
perched owl
rock face



birds
leaf works
owl in stump
Sometimes art is there to stimulate our environment.  It attempts to add human mystery to the mystery of nature.  The impermanence of charcoal allows it to naturally disintegrate with a passing rain or wipe of hand.  The ceramics will too fall apart in time, they may however get buried as an artifact or become someone's treasure.  In the forest all is fair game and these pieces are left to the forces of nature and the elements.

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