Dismantling

During a short walk I took Thanksgiving evening, 

I saw an old barn that was being dismantled.

The barn's colors and shape are beautiful and in the light 

of the setting sun, it seemed more alive and vital 

than many newer buildings around it.

Long fallen into disuse, it is sad to see the structure 

being dismantled, but good to know that its timbers and

siding are being passed on for use in other projects.

Textured Tuesday: Twists and Turns

Twisted Ambiance (Detail), newspapers, sticks and twine. Dimensions variable. 2009

As I ambled around town today to take a few pictures, 

I stopped in the Gallery of the Herron School of Art and Design
where I saw a small exhibit of work by Nigerian-born 
artist, Nnenna Okore.Her work is made from discarded objects, 
materials we take for granted, such as newspapers, 
plastic shopping bags and pages from telephone books. 

Topography, newspaper. 2009

Ms. Okore uses techniques learned watching native Nigerians 

as they went about their daily tasks, rolling, twisting, weaving, sewing

and dyeing discarded materials into useful items. The skills

she learned are used to create intricate sculpture and installations.

Twisted Ambience, (Detail), 2009

I found I was almost as intrigued by the shadows 

her pieces cast on the walls as I was by the work.