Those of you who have been following my blog will remember we have an allotment area at the end of our lane. I walked through there today to visit our local surgery for some blood tests (just trying to get to the root of some 'funny turns' Ive had lately!?) . Its always a treat to see what every one is doing with their small patch of land. For those of you overseas who dont know this term, its land belonging to the local parish council for letting to people to grow their own vegetables and fruit. I think it stems from the 1940's when dear old UK was under seige and we were asked to DIG FOR VICTORY due to the shortage of imported foods. It has continued ever since in many towns and villages.
In my sketchbook above are two entries that made me see modern 'installations' art. The drum was a fantastic colour due to owner (met him up there today) cleaning the rusty metal and the elements turned it these fabulous torquoise and bronzy shades. The tap is connected to a cylinderical concrete and stone post and there was a lot of teasel about.
These sketches are to show the various ways the allotment gardeners use to scare away the birds - especially a lot of pigeons around here. Liked the idea of a 'naked' umbrella frame being used to hang plastic bottles to blow in the wind. We are such an ingeneous nation of gardeners!!! This particular gardener told me they all use such items as cassette tape strung on poles, old shiny computer discs, and as you can see from the scarecrow named Worzle strips of silver paper.
5 comments:
Hi Joan, just writing to say I hope you feel better soon. I laughed about your comment about the English being gardeners. I have not visited the UK since 2000, but I had a pen friend in London from 1961 until her death in 2004. I started writing her son, but he lost interest and she continued writing in his place. They lived in Dulwich, and being the age who were teens in WWII they were intrepid gardeners. I miss her lots.
What a fun post. My town of Kingsville has many quirks to it.
I've been temped more than once to take some photos or tell some stories about my town but I think I'll wait till I've moved elsewhere.
Your wonderful drawings made me smile.
Thanks Sherry for commenting on my local allotment post. Been over to your blog and enjoyed myself.
Thanks for your loyalty to my efforts Robert. I think you are too busy to start thinking of creating yet another string to your bow with a local town series. Worzle really was quite fun to see in the flesh - with the flapping strings of silver tape and wearing someone's old trousers and anorak full of polystyrene packaging.
These are wonderful drawings, Joan - you're right - well worth a closer look. I especially love the colors you've captured on the drum.
Thanks Casey - Amazing how we can spy 'art' at any turn and most surprising places. Who'd think an old drum could be so inspiring.
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