Textures of Asheville

Asheville sits in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was once part of the Cherokee nation, a native American Indian group of people who had a written language and a system of justice and law. Settlers arrived from Europe and moved Westward from the coast ever deeper into the continent.

The Cherokee's were displaced to the West if they were not killed to make way for the ever growing population of Colonials. There is a story called, "The Trail of Tears" that documents the mass forced evacuation of these native peoples.

The pictures here are of tobacco barns that are used for drying and storage. Cherokee people grew tobacco, as well, as the early settlers that were coming form England and Scotland. They found the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains similar to environment they were leaving.

The sepia tones and pattern of the drying tobacco is so beautiful to me. The lines and colors of the worn barn and evidence of an earlier time. People living in nature and close to the land.

For an artist, whether realist or not, there is so much visual variety in this area for the impetus to do art. I will post a link in the websites of interest about the Cherokee People for your interest. There crafts are remarkable as well.

I am part Cherokee. I enjoyed finding out that part of my heritage when my Mother and Aunt were doing genealogy.

Quirky Drug Store/ Taxidermy and Pharmacy!

Small Town America Creativity

I love the individuality and creativity of people in small towns. They are far away from expensive ad agencies of Madison Street and big city rules. People can put up displays with out corporate permission and hand make their own signs. The uniqueness of human thought emerges, sometimes in a happenstance fashion and sometimes with a sense of humor, and sometimes very funny when not intended. This drugstore in downtown Summerton, South Carolina is one in which two odd concepts come together in an ironic way, drugs and stuffed mounted wildlife!

I particularly like this one of the duck hanging as if flying, while the wild turkey has his tail feathers fanned by the HEALTH sign! I can imagine the though process that went into this decoration.
This area is a big wildlife and hunting area. Hunting and fishing are big sports in this area. South Carolina is blessed with lots of wildlife.
Canadian Geese on Column

Looking out the front window of the Pharmacy toward the artisans gallery

Dollar wise Wood Ducks!

Harp Tree

We were riding through a nature reserve near my brothers lake place when I spotted this unusual growth in a tree. I call it the harp tree, what does it look like to you? Nature is an artist also, and sometimes with a sense of humor! This one of the things I love about travel, there are so many surprises and new things. Your awareness is heightened and everything is new. It is good for an artist, it awakes the creative spirit in a new vein.