Artistic Gardening

A continuation of the concept that art encompasses life, I was gifted with the loan of a lovely book from my friend, Janet.

A Garden Gallery; the Plants, Art, and Hardscape of Little and Lewis by George Little and David Lewis.

Little and Lewis are long-time collaborators whose concrete sculptures and garden installations have been collected around the world. Their Puget Sound garden is the primary showcase for their artwork, but also for the unique gardening qualities that epitomize their style. Water features, oversize and broad-leaf plants, expansive use of color, zone-pushing tropicals, architectural emphasis, and elements of classicism and mystery-all combine to create a deeply personal and magical space.

Hosta Leaf Sculputre

The book alternates voices of Little and Lewis and is filled with insights as well as stories. It is a fascinating look at a creative partnership that came about spontaneously, succeeded quickly, and, like their garden, continues to evolve and grow.

My favorite quote so far is from George in speaking about creating a garden. He says, "What matters is the relation of people to their spaces. Does the garden seem a natural extension of the owner? Is there a love of gardening here, a simple joy in the partnering with nature to make something beautiful?"

The idea for dinosaur eggs, which an artist friend created that I shared in earlier blog, is a spin off from Little and Lewis.

Kindred Souls

Claude Monet, one of the best-loved of all artists, was a leading figure in the Impressionist circle. His first subjects reflected the world he knew; the boats of his native Le Havre, the streets of Paris, and the fields and forests of the surrounding countryside. But the subject that was closest to his heart, and dominated his later work, was his garden a Giverny, 65 kilometres northwest of Paris.

For Monet, his garden was a private haven, where domestic pleasure and artistic vision converged. Monet cultivated his garden as a continual source of renewal and inspiration and chose his plantings as carefully as he chose the colors for his palette. The paintings he created in his garden are some of his most famous.





Painting and gardening were the two most powerful influences in his life according to author Debra Mancoff, Monet's Garden in Art. I find myself sharing the same passions; Are we kindred souls?

Throughout his long and productive career, Monet believed that his art served a particular purpose: to give material form to the expression of his feelings in front of the visual spectacle of nature. What a powerful statement!

Spring Thoughts......

A few nice spring-like days and my mind travels to gardening.

How about you?

There is something special about the earth connection and helping things grow that is so heart warming. Similar to the human connection to personal growth.

Are you growing?

What nourishes your soul?