Stop and Look
Colors and shapes: The combination of the red stop sign with a dusting of snow on it, the blue sky and the green lamppost in the distance compelled me to photograph this scene at Shallowford Square.
Unexpected Art
Continuing with photos from last weekend’s snowstorm, today’s photos confirm my belief that art is everywhere, if we’ll only stop and look for it.
Very often it’s the everyday objects and moments that give us the opportunity to capture or create art. Lighting, shapes, colors or textures are often key components of appealing art. Even an ordinary old stop sign can qualify as art! CLICK for more UNEXPECTED ART
Frank’s Boundless Imagination
This metal beast can be seen in the yard of Joe and Esther Marion. It's just one of many wonderful creations by sculptor, Frank Holder.
Frank Holder, 1931–2009
I never personally knew Frank Holder, but I’ve heard about him from my mother, and I’ve seen his wonderful handiwork. In fact, I see it every time I travel Highway 421 from Lewisville to Winston-Salem.
Just beyond the Lewisville/Williams Road exit on the right, at Joe’s Landscaping and Nursery, you can see some of Frank Holder’s big metal beasts, flowers and an unforgettable spider mailbox.
Taking photos of those sculptures had been on my mental list for a while, but I hadn’t gotten around to photographing them until yesterday. That’s because Frank Holder passed away earlier this week at the age of 78.
TO READ MORE about Frank Holder and to see more PHOTOS of his creations, please continue to the NEXT SECTION. CLICK for more on Frank Holder
Proclamation
With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
— “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
Reflections
For years I’ve regularly driven Highway 421 between Lewisville and Winston-Salem. On so many occasions, I looked over at the property of Joe’s Landscaping and Nursery and saw the sunlight creating a strikingly beautiful scene. Most often it was early morning light or late evening light that transformed portions of the property into nature’s works of art.
Whenever I observed those beautiful scenes, I’d typically experience a brief feeling of euphoria, followed by a tinge of emotional pain. Why the pain?
The pain has something to do with seeing a moment of beauty and wanting to capture and share it, but having to let go of that possibility, due to demands or circumstances. In this instance, a four-lane, rush-hour scenario was the foremost deterrent! Even though I knew pulling off the highway was not realistic, that still did not assuage the sense of loss that I felt.
Perhaps the desire to share the beauty one observes is common to those of us who are artists at heart. Whatever the reason for that desire, I think it’s in my DNA.
