On an Island

Mercifully, the past few days gave us a break in the drought

the area has been enduring for the past two months - just a small break,

though, because the weather has been forecast to return to high 90's

to 100's temperatures next week. Damn.

In the meanwhile, I was scheduled to join the Indigenous Artist

for dinner at the IMA Indy Island. The price for admission

was to bring an entree, side dish, or dessert for dinner.

I interpreted that as "enough for yourself, the artist,

and the other two guests." I made up a recipe from a post

on Small Glass Planet and sliced up a few oranges and 

cucumbers for a salad of sorts - something cool 

and refreshing because of the heat.

The above picture of the artist I've come to think of as Didge, 

(AKA A. Bitterman) shows his typical posture whenever his picture is taken.

He does not speak, but has a system of signals one can use to

communicate with him. He's been on the Island and the museum

grounds all month, with his residency ending after this

coming week.

I was joined by two other women for a boat ride

to the Island with the Artist, where he underwent a magic

transformation, suddenly acquiring the ability to speak.

And speak quite well, too, on how most humans do not regard

themselves as a part of nature, seeing trees and animals as

something separate from our existences in our little

"civilized" world, not acknowledging our place in the

greater scheme of things.

For those people who view the artistic 

community as a bunch of artsy flakes, who do not 

recognize artists as involved and caring people, 

with well-considered opinions about affairs of the world,

I suggest you visit with A. Bitterman at Indy Island.

The exhibit he has installed on the grounds of IMA's

100-Acre Park is both funny and thought-provoking. 

The grounds of the Museum and the 100-Acre wood are dense 

with greenery and the shade takes many degrees off the

glare of the hot sun. Don't just visit, make a point of returning

to the place where we all belong.