Friday, April 25, 2008

Three-Word Wednesday: The Prairie is My Garden


Well, it’s already Friday. I didn’t have time to get to this on Wednesday or Thursday. When I read Bone’s words for this week's Three Word Wednesday writing exercise, I knew I needed to write about a favorite print I recently acquired. This print also goes well with my last book review on The Worst Hard Time and will go with another book review that I need to write from Willa Cather’s, My Antonia.

I love the picture that hangs on the southwest wall of my living room wall. It’s a well known painting that I’d known by sight for years, but it wasn’t till last summer when I was in South Dakota that I learned about the artist, Harvey Dunn. This Christmas my father said that because of my mother’s condition, he didn’t have time or the energy to buy presents and would instead send a check for me to buy presents, including my own. I decided that what I really wanted was a print of the painting and ordered it from the South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings. After having it matted and framed, I hung it in the living room, across from my favorite chair. Every time I glace over, I can’t help but to stop and reflect on the details. My eyes dart around. First, to the puffy clouds that fills the sky that’s stretched between the horizons with nothing to impede the view. I wonder if those clouds will band together and provide rain for the thirsty ground. Then I’m drawn to the flowers growing wild above the bank of the creek. Although they may be called Sodbusters, they are blessed with a garden provided by nature. Their home appears to be nothing more than shacks, but the bouquets within their hands will bring cheer to the kitchen table and to the sittin’ room. And the woman! She stands tall and proud above the prairie, welding a pair of scissors as a knife, reminds me that life even in such a paradise is a struggle. Yet, she’s up for the task and is prepared to protect her brood. I often stop by the picture and gaze, and these are some of my reflected thoughts

13 comments:

  1. People should enjoy the art that is in their home. I really like your painting too.

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  2. It's a beautiful picture and I love your very vivid description

    I have never owned art that wasn't done by somebody I know--don't know what that means exactly :)

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  3. I've known this painting and always wondered what the woman sees. Her expression shows concern/fear. Compared to the carefree children, the painting reminds us that things could change in an instant on the prairie.

    Cheers.

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  4. Deana, art can be a major battle too--maybe I should do a story about some of the tobacco barn pieces I have!

    Pia, I know some of the artists whose art I have (especially the poetry), but I often buy art when traveling. As for Harvey Dunn, I'm not quite that old.

    Sherman, I see more determiation than fear in her face. But she is more intense than the children and knows that things can change. The scissors in her hand and the way she holds them has always created questions for me.

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  5. You are so right about it being a good illustration to the Worst Hard Time. It's perfect!

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  6. That's an interesting print, which I was able to appreciate once I clicked to enlarge it. It seems like a simpler time, but the look on the woman's face, not to mention her posture, says a lot. It looks like she might even be spotting trouble heading their way. She shows a strength and determination that is sure to be passed on to her children.

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  7. Reminds me of a Little House book :)

    Very pretty picture and wonderful description.

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  8. The post gave me a wonderful feeling after reading.

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  9. There is a beautiful sense of contented cosiness in your writing. Love it!

    Gemma

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  10. Kenju-its a "before the plow" image!

    Scarlet, I'm glad you clicked on the photo, I should have reminded people to do that in order to see some of the detail of the painting

    TC-yes it does, remember last summer and taking my daughter to those sites?

    Mehini-Thanks for the compliment and for stopping by.

    Greyscale-Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy it. I love your name (you should have a b&w profile!) Thanks for visiting.

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  11. Great print! It reminded me of your tour with your daughter of the "Little House" sites/!

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  12. Or maybe she's a bit of a slave driver and uses those scissors to make the poor girls pick all the flowers with their little, calloused hands. Seems kind of mean that she doesn't let the one who is picking in the picture use them. That theory works well with the ticked off look that's on her face.

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  13. I like that print, too. It conveys a multitude of emotions and feelings.

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