I slowly
drive past this developing “exhibit” every day on my way to the gym. First
noticing it in August, I’m completely fascinated by its ever-changing
dimensions.
Is
it some sort of political statement or simply someone’s crazy expression of
creativity? Both?
I’d
like to believe its art because, hate to admit. I’m not terribly political.
I’ve
never seen anyone maintaining this “sculpture” yet it seemingly has a life of
it’s own. Weeds continue their takeover.
Early
on, the heads were staked individually looking like Ronald Reagan triplets. The
next week, they totem poled signifying Uncle Sam as head honcho.
Surprising
me, a banner appeared on a beautiful fall day at the end of September. Representing someone in love, or purely wanting to get this chick in bed? The blue “feels”
peaceful but how do I interpret that in conjunction with the pole? My over
stimulated curiosity said, “Get in that yard so you can really see.” It’d be
about my luck to get ticketed for trespassing.
Two
weeks ago, one grew hair overnight. And this week, lips were painted BRIGHT
red!!! Don’t they sort of look like Al Gore? Not because of the lips!
And
what does a cement ball have to do with anything?
I
got an “A” in Art Interpretation but I’m having a hellava time with this one.
Then
this occurred to me.
I’m
living in this peaceful, pint-sized bubble pondering “whatevers” while people
are struggling. Everywhere.
I hate
that feeling. Sometimes. Being so far removed.
The
cosmos seems angry. Unsettled.
The
mess on the East Coast is horrific.
I’m
weary of the right/left-slanted emails I constantly receive. Delete. Delete.
Delete.
Friends
are arguing over the candidates at dinner parties unwilling to “hear” each other
or agree-to-disagree. I'm uneasy being around it because I crave harmony.
At
dinner last night as everyone heatedly spoke about how Sandy will affect the
election, my 88-year-old literature loving friend, who read poetry to me beginning at age three (FOG), saw the look on my face and asked, “What
book are you reading?”
I
mouthed, “Thank you.”
************************
This post was written for Write On Edge using a song to inspire a post. This one was inspired by "Peaceful World" by John Mellencamp. It is not meant to be a political statement at all but completely the opposite.
I love seeing pieces of "art" like that just growing. I'm with you - I prefer to think of it as art rather than a clumsily crafted political statement. Though maybe it's political art? Even if that's the case, better to stack up random plastic heads than yell our opinions at each other over dinner, right?
ReplyDeleteMe, too. It certainly evolved over the course of the last few months. It only began resembling a political statement (of some sort) when Uncle Sam got plunked on top, at least to me! Pol Art!
DeleteYikes! My friends are driving me nuts. I've declined an invitation for tomorrow evening for that very reason. I'd rather stay home! I will talk about anything but that. And it is no one's business for whom I am voting so don't ask, please.
I am with you Gina, it is no ones business. I prefer to think of it as "art". Art is always in the eye of the beholder. :)
ReplyDelete~Naila Moon
I agree art is in the eye of the beholder. And as crazy as this sounds, I have really enjoyed watching it. I wonder if it will come down next week or they'll hang Christmas lights on it? Fingers crossed for twinkly whites! I was asked last night and I conveniently changed the subject.
DeleteI am not very political either. I get very uncomfortable when people vent all their political angst. But that totem is quite the sight. Only in America and the First Amendment.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me uncomfortable too. One friend is so obnoxiously one way and sort of eggs on the one leaning the other way who then defends her position. Ugh!!! I use the Sargent Schultz approach, "I hear nothing!". I'm digging the totem pole and I will miss it if it comes down so I hope it doesn't. I wonder if anyone else is infatuated with it or just me? It is on a well traveled street.
DeleteThat exhibit is crazy! Very entertaining. I find politics tiresome, so I'm glad I don't live in the States, where there seem to be a lot more political ads on TV and radio. That would really get on my nerves.
ReplyDeleteWhich comment system are you using, Gina? My Intense Debate comments just vanished for the second time in 3 days, and I'm thinking of dropping it, but I want to be able to reply to people's comments (like you've done here).
It is, isn't it? Tiresome is the perfect word for it. The TV ads aren't bothering me so much but the phone calls do very much. Totally getting on my nerves! I just don't answer the home phone anymore (which I really don't anyway). The people who know me or really want to speak with me know to call my cell phone. I kind of have a phone thing anyway.
DeleteI'm using what came automatically with Blogger which I believe is "Captcha". At any rate, I believe I went into account settings and changed the security setting. I think that's what I did. That verification when trying to leave a comment is a pain, I agree. Email me if you need more info. K?
They call you at home? More than once? Wow, I would have a huge problem with that. We're registered on Canada's Do Not Call list and still hardly ever pick up the phone.
DeleteI figured out the comment thing - I hadn't updated my Blogger template for the new reply button. Thanks for the tip.
I have Do Not Call, too, but some get through. A lot show up as "Private Caller" on caller ID. Therefore, I hardly pick up the phone. Call me cell, people!
DeleteI'm glad you figured it out!
I will be glad when the election is finished, because I am sick of the negative! Some of these guys are pretty scary, too. It is okay to feel removed from parts of the world sometimes. It doesn't make you a bad person, in fact, you might be more sane that most!
ReplyDeleteI'm sick of all the negative too! From everyone...On both sides!
DeleteI do a pretty good job of insulating myself because it hurts my heart but sometimes (like with Sandy or other worldly needs) I feel too removed. I haven't questioned my sanity yet but there have been times when my neck hairs and gut have warned me to be careful!!!
That is so weird! The sculpture, I mean. I TOTALLY identified with the idea of staying out of politics and being frustrated with all sides in general. My birthday is always on election week, so I "get" an election for my birthday every year. Joy.
DeleteLucky you with the birthday, Scorpio girl! I stay out of the way as best as I can. Tonight should be an interesting movie and dinner with the "girls" who discuss politics. Ick!!!
DeleteYou live in an interesting neighborhood. The only time our area gets creative like that is at Christmas time. I'd like to think the garden is an artist's dream for a peaceful existence and just someone to enter the political front that will bring positive change. So what book were you reading, I'm interested. Politics not so much, plus I'm an Aussie, so thankfully we're not copping political banter here.
ReplyDeleteIt's actually in the next town over about a mile from my house. Christmas is a little nuts around here too (like yours) and it's like daylight at night with all the lights! I'm choosing, too, to see this garden as an artistic expression. The banner doesn't make sense next to the heads. If I ever see any signs of life there, I will definitely stop and ask!
DeleteI was trying to finish "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn and "What the Psychic Said to the Pilgrim" by Jane Christmas about the Camino de Santiago walk which I'm doing in June.