We like odd yard art here. Here’s an example. What better example of americana can you imagine than a decorated rusting American car, neatly displayed with a metal pine tree? As seen on Verda Street in the Garden Tract. It’s Really Redding.
Alice and Kev are homeless
I stumbled upon this unique narrative, and want to share. This blog follows the lives of a homeless young girl Alice, and her father Kev. They are Sims.
For those unfamiliar, Sims 3 is a complex and very popular computer simulation game that allows players to build communities of simulated people living simulated lives. Although the initial setup and play is controlled by the gamer, the characters have a degree of autonomy, and something akin to free will. In this narrative Alice and Kev are a homeless father and daughter, and the blog follows their daily lives.
Reading draws you into their world. Without giving it away, the unexpected humanity is revealed within the irrationality of it all. Like any fiction, something about our human condition becomes poignant, even though none of what you read really happened. Thought provoking and fresh. Well worth your time.
Not Really Redding, to be sure. Sim Redding, absolutely.
Ornamental Manzanita
Manzanita is truly ubiquitous around here. The hardy bush thrives in solid clay, hard rock, and parched earth. I’ve sometimes heard harsh language used to describe this tenacious plant, for all sorts of reasons. But then I’ve seen the leaves sparkle in morning frost and dew. And I’ve admired the sculptural reddish wood as it gnarls and flows into resilient branches. Both loved and hated, Manzanita is just a fact of life around here. But this ornamental use of it is unique.
Located on Highway 299W, you’ll see these fanciful beauties on your right, just before Swasey Drive as you head toward Whiskeytown. I’ve admired these for a long time.
I just think these specimens are fabulous. Disciplined trimming reveals their inner beauty. Given this plants hardiness and ability to adapt under Redding’s often extreme climate, it’s odd that we don’t see this use more often. True Xeriscaping. I’ve seen folks go to bizarre lengths to keep a lawn green around here, as though Redding was somehow the British Isles. Really, they could just visit https://www.lawncare.net/ if they want to make sure their lawn looks its best. Meanwhile, you could plant these ornamentals in your yard and likely never water them. Just fertilize occasionally with chunks of cement and broken glass, and watch ’em grow. It’s Really Redding.
1/2 price day at Turtle Bay
Sculptor Dave Allred at The Old City Hall Gallery
Posting about sculptor Man of Steel in Shingletown the other day reminded me that David Allred has a showing currently at the The Old City Hall Art gallery.
Dave’s work is really lovely. This is a small sample of what you can find there.
On top of that, Dave’s a neighbor of mine. He lives around the corner and down a ways. It’s Really Redding.
Man of Steel in Shingletown
Shingletown is blessed to be the home of the Man of Steel, sculptor Doug Stewart.
Doug Stewart’s artistic and fanciful life-sized metal renderings of animals dot the landscape. They share space with larger-than-life busy insects made durable in steel and stone.
You can learn more about Shingletown’s Man of Steel at his artist website.
His art is a prominent feature of this gallery at he corner of Hwy 44 and Black Butte Road. This Shingletown art gallery building is for sale too, and you can read more about it at the link. It’s a building with as many creative possibilities as the art it contains.
Best photo of the fashion show
Sunday, I ran several photos I took of last Saturday’s benefit fashion show titled “The Collage.” I got some OK shots. But ultimately the most beautiful photo I saw was this, captured by my evening companion, the lovely Karry, using a Nikon S570. This is Kim, of Kimberly Nicole Boutique. The full size shot is really nice, with poetic depth and grace, and a good balanced composition. It’s a shot I wish I could say I took! I hope you enjoy this web version. Our thanks to the model, and again to all the models and show participants.
Fashion show pix
Took a few quick photos at the Fashion Show held yesterday at the Old City Hall to benefit the Shasta County Arts Council, and support our local clothing and jewelery designers. It was a terrific show and a lot of fun. We have some really talented local people. Here’s some quick photos:
Erin with Kimberly, of Kimberly Nicole Boutique.
It’s Really Redding.
Eccentric Christmas yard statue
I believe Carl would approve
Not Really Redding, but I just had to share in case you haven’t seen this.
I stumbled on this looking around YouTube from the last post about our music video. Finally an artistic use for the voice transposing software so often abused to moronic cliche by recent Hip Hop artistes. On reflection, I find that I miss Carl Sagan greatly. He was one of a kind. His voice lives on.