Paying attention to the signs. Like these:
I made these encaustic pieces two summers ago. Thought of them this evening when I went out to check the area behind the back gate. We’ve been having a lot of work done lately. Landscaping. Irrigation. The guys have been driving a tractor and truck back and forth, leaving the gate open more often than not. I really don’t want the deer to think of it as an invitation to dine on the new roses.
The area right outside the gate is soft dirt, your basic wilderness bulletin board. I decided to see who’s come a callin’.
Doe, a deer.
Mr. Jack Rabbit.
Rocky Racoon.
Ssssssssnake.
And moi, with a tire tread background.
Funny thing about photographing tracks in the late sun…they give the illusion of being raised up instead of recessed. Go figure.
There’s lots of other critters around here. I think when the workmen are finished I’ll sweep the area clean from time to time and see who comes a calling. In fact, I feel another photo project happening. Stay tuned.
As always my sweetums, I’d love to hear what you have to say in the comments below. And if you’ve stumbled upon some interesting tracks be sure to share that.
xo
Those encaustic pieces above make a great set! And the mysterious possibility captured in the snapshots is very intriguing. Love the texture and the shadow and light in them and the stories and imagination they hold. Your place is so full of life!
I’m thinking of offering the encaustic pieces as a set of three prints, Bonnie. One of these days…
Glad you see the mystery and story potential in the tracks. It’s a whole ‘nuther world out there 🙂
Your art pieces are breathtakingly beautiful Susan. It sounds like you are having a grand time between the painting and then the wilderness around your place. PS I have been enjoying your daily photographs of you with your horses. Keep up the great work with painting and photography. xo
Suzanne McRae recently posted..Entering into the Sacred Silence of my Soul!
I’m glad you enjoy the photography, Suzanne. I find myself doing more and more of that simply because my iphone is always in my pocket. xo
Susan recently posted..Checkin’ Out da Hood
What a wonderful peek into your world. The encaustic pieces are gorgeous! And how fun to see signs of your visitors. Love the term “wilderness blackboard.” I’m utterly fascinated by the snake image.
Deborah Weber recently posted..Self-care: L is for…
I should’ve mentioned that all these tracks are in a small area no larger than 8 feet by 8 feet, Deborah. Some are hard to read because they cross one another. It appears a lot of traffic goes through there.
Susan recently posted..Checkin’ Out da Hood
LOVE the encaustics! So rich and full of mystery and they beg that question of who’s been there and left their traces. It’s also great to get glimpses of your little corner of heaven…great post!
Thank you, Barbara 🙂 When I first made the encaustics I had no idea where I was going with them other than leaving marks. Then I realized what they reminded me of and the series was born.
What a great set of photos! I love the idea of looking down to see what’s there. And I love the encaustics, something I want to learn more about.
Marilyn recently posted..Love is love
It’s amazing how often I’ve walked through the woods and only thought of the big guys, Marilyn…bear and lion, without even considering the rest of the critters, the ones that make up the vast majority. Now that I’m more aware of all that’s out there I want to know more.
I love encaustics but have cut back on working with them. Burned one too many experimental toxics and can no longer be near the hot wax without a full on respirator.
Susan your encaustic pieces are wonderful! I love nature in general and the photos of the tracks are amazing glimpses into a world around us that is there but we often don’t see. <3
Belinda Rose recently posted..The Gift of a Hug
You’re so right, Belinda. There’s a whole world out there that we often don’t see. This could raise all sorts of interesting philosophical questions…
you see with such gifted eyes, friend.
thanks for sharing the wonderment,
Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson recently posted..getting gritty……
And you see with words that reach deep into the poet’s soul, dear Jennifer. xo
Oh, these are so sweet. What wonderful visitors you have!!
Michele Bergh recently posted..Life Lesson 19: Happiness Comes From Within
We also have bears and mountain lions, Michelle. I’ve only seen a lion print once. The bears’ calling card usually involves the garbage cans and beastly poop.