cars – Africantapestry

I have to share with you all these fascinations I found here in SC.

First thing I saw was these magnificent, frightening spiderwebs in the trees. They cover whole branches, sometimes even whole small trees. I tried to do a search on the internet for the type of spider, but couldn’t stand looking at all these spider photos coming up on my screen. So I still don’t know….they captivate me completely, scare me and fascinate me at the same time.

I am also fascinated by the hundreds of car dealers on every which road out there, with their hundreds of cars in every color, parked in neat rows, almost measured distances next to each other, the angles perfect and decorated with colorful flags and balloons…how can you not stop and buy a car? They have turned car sales into an art! I get a kick from these scenes every time I’m on the road and find those without this flair very boring

I also have to mention the kudzu, which took my breath away. I have had nightmares where I stand still for just a moment too long and I’m being taken over by these vigorous growers! Once again, an exhilirating sight where they form thick carpets in the valleys, growing up trees and wires and poles, everything and anything that can be a host…magnificent and scary…

There are many more of these enthrallments I find on my daily outings, but I’ll leave them for next time.

All done in moleskine with pen and watercolor.

17 comments:

Cathy (Kate) Johnson said…: Hi Ronell (and happy birthday!)I’m betting they are worms of some sort, not spiders–they turn into moths, but they do make these amazing webs, so not to worry–it’s not good for the tree, but nothing to be afraid of.Glad you’re back posting!; August 21, 2007 12:51 AM
Sharon said…: I hope kudzu,car dealerships and bugs aren’t really the most captivating things about Keowee Key, SC, Ronell…or you may be in for a very long three months!(In response to your note – For a variety of reasons, my old website-Present Tense -is gone.); August 21, 2007 1:18 AM
Diahn said…: You know – kudzu is the bane of the southeast, but I’ve always loved it anyway. When I was a kid I would imagine kudzu shapes instead of cloud shapes – they make fantastic dinosaurs growing up telephone poles and lines…I love car lots, too…I think they are full of bluster and wind and untold treasures. :-DLet me know if you decide to head north, and we’ll arrange a meeting! I’m going to be on the Cherokee, NC side of the Smokies over Labor Day Weekend.; August 21, 2007 1:48 AM
shirley said…: Terrific sketches – especially the car dealership! I think your big spiderwebs were made by what we called in Texas – TENT CATERPILLARS. They totally destroy trees unless kept under control.; August 21, 2007 4:08 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for telling me Cathy! I went to look it up and you’re right…it is the Eastern tent caterpillar…it is incredible!
ronell; August 21, 2007 4:10 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thanks Shirley…your message came in just as I posted my message…I saw an air photo of a forest infested with these caterpillars and I first thought it was trees covered in white blossoms…
Ronell; August 21, 2007 4:17 AM
ujwala said…: it’s nice to hear these kind of details about a place. looking forward to more. thank you.; August 21, 2007 5:47 AM
mARTa said…: lions and tigers and bears…oh my! I’m thanking my lucky stars I’m a california girl! I had never heard of kudzu so did a google search…scarry! and those giant webs!!!!! yikes…your sketches both educational and beautiful!!! Come to California!!!!! no bugs or plants that will eat you up!; August 21, 2007 6:02 AM
gabi campanario said…: hi ronell, I just read that you traded the Peugeout for a few months? Get a Mustang indeed, a convertible one! now seriously, hope your stay on this side of the ocean is great, can’t wait to read more of your impressions and see more of your beautiful sketches.; August 21, 2007 8:31 AM
Tonniece said…: I see that those caterpillars are a pest there too. We get them just outside of the city on all the trees. Gives me the willies.
I did a google on the Kudzu, and am totally intrigued. what is truley amazing is the growth and it’s ability to create so many different shapes.
As for the car dealerships, they are on almost every corner here in Canada also, all decked out as if there’s a grand gala going on inside.
Great sketches of all three Ronell.
So good to have you back posting again.; August 21, 2007 1:24 PM
Lin said…: Ronell: I find it fascinating to see SC thru your eyes — yes car dealers, churches, gas stations on every corner .. and that indominable kudzu .. and yes, it WILL cover you if you keep still … it’s redeeming qualities, though, the flour made from the rhizome is a staple in Asian countries, the flower makes an decent jelly … and there are so many kudzu festivals featuring baskets made from the vines, foods, etc…..Your sketches, as always are so painterly and beautiful!!!!; August 21, 2007 1:57 PM
Carole said…: Oh my goodness, I wouldn’t want to see those spiders!The perspective on your last painting (of the poles with stuff growing up them) is really well done. Using grey creates a sense of huge depth and distance.Love the other paintings too, and your descriptions.; August 21, 2007 3:32 PM
Teri C said…: How fun to see your sketches of SC. Only you could get away with painting a car dealer! 🙂; August 21, 2007 4:26 PM
bec said…: I’m enjoying your views of SC. Bugs are a BIG deal there-they’re everywhere… have you seen any of the beautiful moths flying around at night?
love your artwork –especially the kudzu; August 21, 2007 6:20 PM
uj said…: I love watching your discoveries – seeing things that we all take for granted, fresh eyes reminding us of the beauty in the everyday around us. Thank you Ronell – your excitement is infectious.; August 21, 2007 8:06 PM
Ruela said…: your artwork is cool; August 21, 2007 8:22 PM
Robyn said…: I think we have something similar here that attacks the umbrella pines. I could never paint a web like that at a distance and have it look like a web. Well done. Love the car yard too, very pretty composition with the bunting.

It has been a while now that I’ve been struggling to get anything on paper and I was getting just more stressed by the day. Lindsay mentioned that when she gets this slump, she does nice things, naps, fun outings…. So I decided on some time out.
I put away all art, all stress, all guilt, all expectations. I went shopping(mostly window shopping) and I fiddled in the garden. I played piano and even wrote a song. You will never hear it. I concocted new recipes and did some cooking classes. I stole some mirabelles off someone’s tree and got chased by the dog with the pink bow. I moved the furniture around and changed the kitchen. I took down wall paper and started painting the living room. I played and slept with my cats. I ate too much and excercised too little. I’m blaming it on the weather. I watched Wimbledon and cried because it’s over.
I baked a cake for a friend’s birthday, decided at midnight I’ll do another one in the morning and helped myself to many slices. I sat in the rain and ate ice cream. Now I’m taking double dose vitamin c, because my throat is on fire. I went “brocante hunting” with a friend and bought other people’s junk. I sold a couch and bought a bed.
I never switched on the computer. That makes me feel bad because I didn’t visit any blogs. I dropped Hartman off at the station to go the States. I was so sad so I drove to the perfume shop and bought a bottle of Coco Chanel and a bottle of Hermes, now I don’t feel sad anymore…just guilty.
So I did indeed take time out…..no more stress, no more guilt, maybe more inspired…? Don’t know, time will tell. In the meantime, I have a living room to finish painting, I will be back next week, catching up on everybody’s work.
In fear of being completely forgotten, I thougth I’d post some of my finds at the brocante, while I’m waiting for the undercoat on the walls to dry.
An old dilapidated little car, while waiting for the brocante to open after lunch and then some old silver and pewter finds and lastly the old daybed(lit ancien as it is simply called), which is to replace the couch I sold, but only after some restoration. I just did some quick sketches in my moleskine with pencil, pen and a wash…all wonky still, which means I probably still need some time out.

Lin said…: Ah, Cara .. I’m sorry this slump still haunts you — but I think your time ‘unstressed’ is well spent. As someone told me when I complained of the same ailment “consider it pondering time’ … that special time you need to incubate ideas, desires, dreams, creations … so incubate, cara … and spend some time resting .. It will help — it really will.Huge HUGS!; July 9, 2007 5:51 PM
Robyn said…: I’ve always wanted such a day bed – now I have no room for one. The pewter plates are lovely.
Enjoy your time out, everyone will still be here when you feel like it again. I’ve been cooking all day myself – it’s fun sometimes to return to old loves and to do it without guilt.; July 9, 2007 6:39 PM
Lynn said…: I’m sorry you’ve been in a slump, but it sounds like you had some fun recharging your batteries. I like that sketch of the daybed. I hope you feel rejuvenated soon.; July 9, 2007 7:31 PM
Bonny said…: Hi Ronell;You know taking time out is good, not just for doing art. Sometimes doing other things, even unexpected things gives us a new focus on our art and on life. Take your time, and don’t feel guilty about taking time off. It’s summer, you’re SUPPOSED to to take time off from life!!!
We’ll still be here for you whenever you feel like talking or coming back!Hugs,Bonny; July 9, 2007 7:50 PM
Sandy said…: Yes I have missed you (forget you – Never!) Your time off sounds Glorious to me and I would like to join you (especially the cake and ice cream parts!). You will be inspired and come back gang-busters and I am Ready!! (ps – wish you had come to NY for our crawl and I LOVE the bed you purchased!); July 9, 2007 8:46 PM
Emma Pod said…: Hi Ronell, enjoy your time off. Have some fun. Relax. Goof off. Finish your projects. Sometimes it’s just good to change gears and do something different. And the whole point of art and blogging is for pleasure…not when it feels like “work”. I’ve been doing very little drawing this summer – there are so many other nice things to do. (thanks for helping us all not feel guilty!); July 9, 2007 9:51 PM
Jana Bouc said…: That’s a brilliant idea of how to get through a slump–enforced non-arting and non-blogging. Maybe it’s like what sex therapists advise when couples are having problems–they tell them to NOT have sex (which gives them time to pay attention to caring for one another and make the desire grow?). That would certainly apply to art–give you time to care for yourself, find your muse and allow it to seduce you back into the arms of art? I hope I’ll remember this next time I’m in a slump and badgering myself to produce!; July 9, 2007 10:28 PM
hfm said…: Have a good time we will wait here for you.; July 9, 2007 10:38 PM
Sharon said…: Slump or not…your fans are always happy to hear from you..and sending good thoughts your way!; July 9, 2007 10:58 PM
Regula Scheifele said…: was wondering what you’re doing. Your time-out sounds like the best idea, sometimes window shopping is the best kind of ‘therapy’ 😉
I love the little car you have found… but then I’ve got that thing for cute little cars anyway…
Looking forward to read your next post – whatever you have to share.; July 10, 2007 12:11 AM
uj said…: I am heartily applauding you Ronell. Good for you! Good for you!; July 10, 2007 3:03 AM
Sandy said…: Well…first off..no way would I forget this blog. I check every day. We all go through these times..you’ll get inspired again but heck, look at all you are getting done!!! I will keep checking back every day because I wouldn’t want to miss a new piece of art…or anything you post. sandy; July 10, 2007 8:17 AM
Nancy Van Blaricom said…: Whew ! There… finally a word from Ronell. Yes, we’ve missed you and your wonderful prose and art … But indeed your time away sounds like something needed. Possibly it’s the season, or just time for enjoying where you are. Come back when you are ready.; July 10, 2007 3:28 PM
Carole said…: I was just about to check that you were OK, and there you are! Good to hear from you. I’m glad you are allowing yourself off the hook and enjoying some other projects. Meanwhile you haven’t lost your touch with these little sketches. I love the daybed – that’s going to look gorgeous once you’ve restored it.Keep playing, and enjoy the summer! Look forward to reading more when (and only when) you are ready.; July 10, 2007 6:11 PM
Linda said…: Not to worry — you’re not forgotten! ;-D I remember a friend once saying that a field MUST lie fallow for a spell if it is going to yield a good crop. So, relax, enjoy, de-stress!
🙂; July 11, 2007 12:22 AM
Tami said…: Wow! Looks like you are doing a lot of fun, creative things with your time out! Enjoy youself, we have enough things that make us feel guilty, art, doing or not doing, shouldn’t be one; it’s for relaxation remember? I LOVE your art and hope to see more soon! In the meantime, I’ll entertain myself looking over your previous posts and any new “stuff” you are doing…; July 11, 2007 5:21 PM
Nancy said…: Keep up the adventurous days! Slumps can be great – get a “floaty pool” and float!; July 12, 2007 5:37 AM
bec said…: I’m all for that. gooooooo swimming and
relaxxxxxx.; July 12, 2007 8:11 PM
biteyourowntail said…: I think everyone needs time to rekindle the fire every now and again. And I think you do right not to fight it. There is a book, Women who run with the wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes – not about creativity per se, but she does discuss these issues. It’s a wonderful book that I think every woman should have by her bedside. Beautifully written, drawing on Jungian archetypes and traditional fairytales to chart women’s journey through life.; July 13, 2007 6:55 PM
caseytoussaint said…: Hi Ronell – I haven’t been able to comment in a while, but I enjoyed hearing about what you’ve been up to while I was in the US.. The sketches are great, and it sound like you’ve been having fun. Sometimes we just need a change….; July 13, 2007 11:10 PM
martín said…: I just came to see what you were up to, since I haven’t heard of you for some time, and wow, you’ve been having a lot of fun! you’ve gone through every possible emotion, hahaha. I think you did great, it’s a vacation, an arts vacation you took. Well done. Sometimes we need a change like Casey says. Take care. M; July 14, 2007 1:41 AM
Anita said…: At last!!!…I’ve been worried about you!
🙂; July 14, 2007 4:14 AM
soulcomfort said…: You may have felt in an art slump–but in didn’t sound like you were in an everything else slump. Having fun and relaxing is good for the soul. 🙂 Just needed a break–we all do sometimes. Looks like you are right back in the swing of things again–nice work, as usual! 🙂
Always, Rita; July 14, 2007 4:27 AM
Lindsay said…: So sorry you are having a hard time. I hope it will pass in time….be gentle with yourself! And thanks for mentining me!; July 14, 2007 5:01 AM
Arty Velarde said…: I really like these sketches. They have a lot of character.!
I hope you are doing ok.
Lydia; July 15, 2007 4:15 PM
mARTa said…: ok, so I’m missing you but glad you are just enjoying life right now…the creativity will burst forth soon I’m sure!; July 16, 2007 6:49 AM
Pequete said…: Well, one thing I am sure of: no matter how long your slumps may last, you will never be forgotten! I’m sure that with all that activity, your inspiration will come back soon. If not, try reading “Living Out Loud” by Ker Smith. I’m reading it right now and it has really great stuff!; July 17, 2007 3:10 PM
Felicity said…: I had no idea you were in a slump. My goodness, your art is so amazing, so briming with vitality and I’d just die to be able to paint like you – so I guess it never occured to me this could happen. So sorry, I hope you are finding your way out of it.; July 17, 2007 4:16 PM
Laureline said…: I’m very late to add my encouragement, but here it is, nevertheless. You’re a wonderful painter and writer, too. I hope you figure out a way to minimize the slump time, but we all have them, don’t we? Take good care and enjoy yourself and try not to have unrealistic expectations about production and perfection.
Xoxo,
L; July 17, 2007 4:44 PM
Serena said…: I haven’t been online much over the past couple of weeks due to my upcoming house move but I’m sorry to read that you’ve been in a bit of a slump, Ronell. I must admit I was a little envious reading all the things you have been doing though……relaxing and taking time out for yourself is nourishing to the soul so try not to be too hard on yourself. Your blog is one of my favourite blogs to visit as I find such inspiration here and I love the way you write about things. I appreciate too that you also take time to visit my blog and leave such beautiful comments….it really means a lot to me. Btw, I love your painting style and these sketches are wonderful ~; July 19, 2007 8:49 AM
phthaloblu said…: I am so sorry that you are having to experience this slump. I was in one for many years, but I think you are doing the right thing. Doing something else and taking a break. Don’t pressure yourself. These sketches are lovely and quick and I’m glad you did them even if you didn’t feel too much like it. I really love your work. Have a lovely little break and we’ll see you back soon.

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