A Walk on the Wild Side

 Rust colored sedge grasses of the Cudo Reserve           photo by elizabeth gordon

South Carolina 

Sun light dancing on the waters of Lake Santee Cooper

A Winters view...too cold for the alligators to sun

 Santee Cooper Lakes

As we drive Southward and leave the big city of D.C. behind, the weather warms, the landscape changes from wild things of urban living to wild things of nature.  Today I saw an Eagle carrying something in his talons flying low...such a rare view and now etched in my mind with other times driving through the Cudo Reserve.  Once an owl flew down and snatched a snake much too big for him.  Watching the ensuing struggle was quite a memorable event as the owl was quite determine to take his dinner home, but to no avail.  15 feet alligators lounge along the lake shores and pileated woodpeckers dart from tree to tree.  I often thing nature may be the greatest art and perhaps our ability to see and appreciate her masterwork makes us the artist as well.

Vertical lines mirror in the swampy inlet 

Not edible just for viewing

Reeded grass inviting a red wing black bird, but not yet

Lake Marion Artisans

Lake Marion Artisans

Summerton, South Carolina is near the Santee Cooper Lake System. In the early 1940's a large part of this area was flooded to make two of lakes. Lake Marion alone covers 177 square miles. A damn was built to provide hydro electric power and a recreation area for boaters and fishermen. It is the 50th largest lake in the United States and the largest lake in South Carolina.

(Pottery by April, my sister in law, and a member of Lake Marion Artisans)

Summerton is a small rural town that once had a thriving lumber and cotton mill. Once the rail road ended the town began to slowly die out. There are many towns throughout the South that are like Summerton. There are lovely old brick buildings and sidewalks, even old schools, but many are empty. As an artist all I see is studios!!!! All the space an artist needs to work and have display areas too. I see art villages and art towns, place that could be alive again.

A small group of artistic minded individuals came together to start an art group. Starting any venture is difficult with different ideas and opinions that a variety of people may have. How do you get a building, how to pay electric bills, or get someone to keep the store open. This group is no different, but they are surviving and growing. Below are photo's of some of the artists work.
Judy, a retired art teacher from New Jersey, is pictured below with a stained glass window she and some other artists are working on for the Episcopal Church in town. Judy also built and designed the heron bowl above.

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There are a number of clay artist in the area with differing styles.

The mosaic gallery sign is lively and fun. Summerton could not have a gallery, nor people who care about art. It could be one of many little towns where people do not value the arts, but someone cared, some one made a difference and the community is stronger for it. Positive influences have a tendency to ripple out and touch many.
This piece is by John, a potter who has interesting shapes and glazing techniques.