Creating art with living things

Art is  not just seen or created on the easle, paper, the potter's wheel or the computer it can be seen in the everyday things around us. This is what my photography has inspired me to do - look for a beauty in everything I see, even something that is mundane or appears ugly at first glance. A shadow, a curl in a vine - all can be unique and artistic in just being. this sort of art is fleeting, ephemeral and once missed, is gone forever. The chance passing, as the sun glistens on a spiderweb; there for but a brief time, but providing the most glorious dance of light, as the web wafts in a slight breeze. 

I do not have to venture very far at all, to have inspiration for photographs. Within the confines of my very own garden, I can find many beauties - unexpected views, colour, light and shade.

It is not just photography that benefits from my garden. Today, I was cleared my head, with an hour of  graft, in the garden. I removed my beloved summer tomatoes and dug in some compost and maure.  This time is like a regeneration of my soul - the birds, the bees, the colours, the sunlight, the smell of the dirt and the endorphins; even the regular traffic noises seem to align my thoughts and emotions, grounding them to where they belong. Within the hour, the words were writing themselves. Back inside, they spilled out onto the page. (if only the computer would now behave)

But it not just recording beauty, or writing prose that is borne there. It inspires me to visual creations as well. As an artist, I see the garden. not just as a collection of plants, but as a tapestry with each view creating its own portrait. Sometimes, I can sit for hours manipulating the scenery, in my head, until a pleasing picture presents itself. Then is the task of trying to recreate the vision with landscaping and flora.  Views from the back door:

Views from the front door:                       :                                                                                

If anything, my garden has taught me to see beauty and art, in many varied places, to appreciate the moment and to enjoy it while I have it. It has also inspired me to words, pictures and living creations... and provided some food along the way.