Friday, June 11, 2010

Public Art





The Sundial, on the circle in Barnwell, SC
For over 150 years, Barnwell's rare vertical sundial has given the correct time of day to passersby.
It is thought to be the only one of its kind remaining in America. Legend has it that this is the only vertical sundial in the United States and though erected two years prior to standard time, it keeps within two minutes of that. Captain Joseph D. Allen, a wealthy Barnwell resident, and a lover of monuments,
had the sundial made in Charleston.


Thank you Barry & Linda for choosing this topic; at first I had no idea what I was going to do, not only do we only have a small selection of public art in our small town but I’m nursing a bum knee so am not getting on very much.

As I decided to look through my collection of photos I did come across a few that depict Public Art; some are crazy shots of my children “enjoying” public art, some are of public art we’ve enjoyed during our travels.


Dorie, in front of Horse statues we saw while on a  road trip.






 "The Whole Wide World of Charleston" according to Dorie...
Monument to Francis Marion



 

Becki, wrestling an alligator.... and Andrew enjoying a glass of coke.



and finally….
A type of public art that is very near and dear to not only my soul but my family… the Pow Wow photos.








As much as I enjoy celebrating our Irish bloodline, my brother went further and embraced our Native American roots. Although we were not raised “native” we did live on the outskirts of the reservation for 2 years in Oklahoma and were always reminded where we (our great-grandmother) came from.






During the past several decades we began going to Pow Wows and selling Cree Style drums my brother had learned to make while in Maine along with wares from various tribes that we bought from. Brad, my brother loved to dance and although I only took part once, I was always proud to watch him and others as they enjoyed the drums, the people and being outside.




Brad and Dorie during Dorie's first dance.

 
Sadly, Brad passed away this past Christmas Eve morning with no warning and his death has been a hard row to plow as the saying goes… as I opened a file and saw the words pow wow I had to make myself look at the photos and suddenly I was transported to that field in South Georgia with the warmth of the sun shinning down, the sound of drums and drummers and the wonderful smell of Sage, Sweet Grass and Copal burning and the fry bread frying… and I remembered an old proverb he was found of…. There are no bad days, even when things are difficult all days are good ones.




Brad and Dorie resting after a dance... learning to drum.

15 comments:

Bagman and Butler said...

A great touch to present living art in the native American costumes. Hope your knee gets better soon.

Kim, USA said...

Sorry to hear about your brother. I haven't seen a real native Indian in their costume and dancing but love to see it soon. Happy weekend!


Public Art

Sunshine said...

Just love your pictures! Thanks for sharing today!

Jolynn said...

Love the pictures! My youngest daughter has Native American ancestry; her great-grandmother had prominent Indian features. You and your brother look very much alike. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Sue McPeak said...

Thank you for sharing your hometown public art as well as your Indian Heritage Art. I too am from Indian Ancestry and have had to opportunity to see the American Indian PowWow tradtional dances and costumes from the Southwest.

Kerry said...

Clare thank you for adding the personal touch to your post this week. My husband used to attend a lot of pow wows and they are indeed an amazing display of artistry, tradition and pride. Your brother has left you with amazing memories.

Cheryl said...

Sorry your knee is keeping you from exploring for a bit. Hope it heals soon. These photos are a rare treasure. I love the sundial and all the family shots are awesome.

Lovely shoot-out.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

You could come to my school as Pochohonta and the children would love you.

Do you have a wheat heat bag to put on you knee? I have a sore back and a sore neck, the heat works wonderfully.

Barry said...

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this post. It was beautiful and fun and varied and ultimately very touching.

A Scattering said...

Thank you for sharing your brother with us. The pow wow photos are lovely.

Jama said...

I love the colorful attire donned by the native Americans, so beautiful!

Unknown said...

I love your photos of art with your family standing in the pics also. so cute and the Indian Heritage photos are awesome. love the dress and very colorful.

J9 said...

What great photos and a beautiful tribute to your brother!

shabby girl said...

Love the "There are no bad days, even when things are difficult all days are good ones."
I loved seeing your kids in the public art photos. Cracked me up! And great pow wow photos!!!
the one of your brother and Dorie resting is adorable.

Pauline said...

That was clever of you to think of the native American costumes as public art! And I loved the personal touch, the tribute to your late brother.