This past week we have had splendid weather. Perfect autumn days and nights. There has been not a cloud in the sky and not a drop of rain has fallen.Every year as summer rolls around, I pull out my big calendar and meticulously write down every activity that looks interesting. Every festival, art show, gallery opening, farmer's market, Doors Open event, walking tour, cruise night gets noted. If you were to look at my calendar for July and August you could be forgiven for thinking that I had a very busy summer. Except that, in the end, I often end up doing less than half of it. Summer, in all its hotness, just exhausts me. All I want to do is crawl back into bed (and sleep). Fortuitously, the bedroom is the brightest room in my place, so it's not like I was hiding in a dark, depressing dungeon or anything.
And I got a lot of reading done as the sun beamed down on me. 
But now that it is fall and the humidity has dispersed and the temperatures are more comfortable, I am smiling and full of energy. I want to make the most of these warm (and/or crisp) days.Last week I went to see the Zimbabwean sculptures in the Royal Botanical Gardens.
All of these were made by hand from one piece of stone. There are a dozens of these sculptures throughout the garden with many more smaller pieces in a tent and all are for sale. Each has a tag listing the name of the piece, the name of the artist and the type of stone used.
Meet Patrick, one of the featured artists who was has been spending his days for the past six weeks working on smaller pieces to be sold and talking to people, explaining the types of stone and the methods he uses for his creations (like this pair of owls that I am really, really wanting to bring home when he has finished. It has taken him four days and he's now at the polishing stage.)
Rather partial to the owls myself...owls and the moon.
ReplyDeleteI'll let you know on Monday when I see the finished owl (and have checked my finances!)
DeleteI agree, Violet, and I think this group of artists is not the same as the one whose work I saw here in the Netherlands, although their work looks similar. The stone that is used and the technique looks the same. Maybe they come from different parts of Zimbabwe. I saw a sculpture that I liked a lot too and I have to save up my money to be able to buy it.
ReplyDeletethere are probably a few of these artist co-operatives.
DeleteI can't do the heat either; but I so love the cooler temps of fall. I'd love to be able to wander among those sculptures. Love the lady lying on the grass.
ReplyDeleteThe owls are adorable. What a infectious smile on the artist. :)
he does have an infectious smile, doesn't he?!
DeleteOh you must take them home with you..they are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the pics
Hugs
SueAnn
The owls are fabulous and the other sculptures in the garden are beautiful ~ Your summer schedule I can relate to and I too enjoy the cooler days to wander and photograph ~ Happy Weekend to you,
ReplyDeletecarol ^_^ ~ thanks for 'coming by' ~ do come again ~ love having you ^_^
I'm with you about the heat, it tends to bring out the biting insects as well. This is my favorite time of year and it's gone too quickly! I'm trying to decide what to do tomorrow on my day off to take advantage while I can.
ReplyDeleteIn Scotland we tend to view heat as a blessing rather than an impediment, so it's good to be reminded that the grass isn't always greener! Hopefully you will enjoy lots of crisp autumn days for your burst of activity.
ReplyDelete