Saturday 27 July 2013

SEARCH FOR ENLIGHTENMENT




 The finest works of art are precious, among other reasons, because they make it possible for us to know, if only imperfectly and for a little while, what it actually feels like to think subtly and feel nobly.
 Aldous Huxley   



No, I have not taken a tab of acid nor vast amounts of mind inducing drugs. Neither have imbibed great quantities of alcohol.
I have recently returned from a trip to Pallington Lakes just outside Dorchester, the idyllic setting for some rather fine works of art by the artist Simon Gudgeon. 

The pieces are placed either beside or actually in the lakes themselves and the surrounding stunning 26 acres provide an organic and spiritual gallery beside the gin clear River Frome deep in the heart of beautiful Dorset countryside. 




Originally it was a fishery and its depths still hold a very healthy stock of fish which provided me with some  visual amusement as I passed between pieces at times. This, along with a plethora of flora and fauna ensured that I was thoroughly entertained.
Now I don't pretend to be an authority on works of art nor do I admit to 'feel' what some artists are trying to say with their  pieces. I could even be so bold as to say that most is a load of old tosh! In fact, some modern art rather amuses me to be classed as art at all. But I know what I like and being married to a sculptor and artist for a few years has at least provided me with some limited knowledge, an eye for line, a preference to materials and a taste of preferred subject matter.






I felt that the positioning of the sculptures  was just as important to the artist as the sculptures themselves and the changes in seasons give the pieces hidden depth and quality all year round. 


Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.




Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang the best.

“Rest and be thankful.”
William Wordsworth 


Parr for the course. Groan.
Reflection adding another dimension.
Cock fight.
Graceful, even a nine feet tall.
Roe deer 

Sometimes, simply by sitting, the soul collects wisdom.
Zen proverb




A rare occurrence: A man getting inside the mind of a women.

I have selected just a few photos for your viewing pleasure but I strongly advise a worthwhile visit if you happen to be in the area. There is lots more to see and Simon is continuously adding work to his collection.