Glean 1 and Glean 2 by Tom Stancliffe

Glean 1

Glean 2

  

Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men.  ~Chinese Proverb

During the arctic winter, we get used to the neutral colors of the grassless sod, the leafless branches of the trees and the grey of the snow mixing with the dirt and sand. Venturing out only when necessary, and even that we avoid at all cost due to the bitter cold wind, chilling to the bone. Then the weather gets a little warmer and being outside is bearable, and slowly becomes pleasant. Before we know it, small green shoots pop out of the blacken sod, brightly colored blossoms appear on the barren branches, and living creatures of all kinds suddenly appear. Spring has made its presence.

It is a time of growth, new beginnings and new life. It seems as if Mother Earth awoke from her hibernation and is ready to live and grow. The sun seems to shine brighter and warmer as if to welcome all the new life. Butterflies break through the cocoon, streaking their vibrant colors across the sky as they flutter from flower to flower. Birds return from faraway lands bringing their songs of joy that linger in the air from sunrise to sunset. Rabbits dart in and out of bushes playfully chasing one another.

Places that were barren just a week earlier are blooming in brilliance.  The gentle breeze blows through the tress. The magnolias send sweet perfume through the air. Petals float like feathers to the ground, lining the sidewalks as if a celebration has started. Indeed one has started. Spring is a celebration of life.

The population of humans seems to double as people leave the shelters that protected them during the harsh winter.    Dark layers of clothing disappear revealing brightly patterned clothing in its place. The loud calls and squeals of joy from the children, as they frolic in the park and in the field, fill the silence winter had acquired. Spring is brighter, louder, and happier.

This new feeling and celebration of life is seen in Tom Stancliffe’s Glean 1 and Glean 2 sculptures. They each show a seed sprouting revealing long, elegant stems. At the tips of the stems, colorful buds (Glean 1) and leaves (Glean 2) are seen. These brightly colored shapes contrast the cold grey of the metal, much like the bright green leaflets and colorful buds contrast the grey of winter.  These sculptures stand at the entrances of the Roy J. Carver Co-Laboratory reminding us that no matter how harsh or bleak the winter may be, spring is just around the corner waiting to bring new life and joy into the souls of all.

“O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?”- Shelly

 -By Emily Van Nostrand

Woods, Meadows, and Fence by Gary Bowling

The landscape, drenched in gold from the setting sun, is the perfect picture of tranquility. The mysterious woods stand as a shelter from the viscid openness of the meadow. The meadow seems to expand and disappear from sight at the horizon.  Not a soul is around to hinder the peace and flawlessness of such a place. This is the type of escape people dream of, to break away from the loud noise of the city.

The city, full of racket and people running everywhere; it’s hard to find a place to quietly think. Solitude and privacy is hard to acquire in such a populated area, but not so in the meadow! Oh the meadow is the unspoiled silence. Truly silence is golden, like the sun. The only thing to hear is the soft breeze blowing over the land and the rustling of foliage as animals journey over their abode. You are left there with your thoughts, with your heart.

Such a place is rare, as cities and people impede on the land, taking the meadows for their own benefit, and cutting down the woods for their own uses.  Soon, it seems all the land would be one large settlement of mankind. The fence is just the beginning of mankind’s print on the land, hopefully it’s the last.

However, the love and the want for a little piece of “the olden days” will remain in the hearts of all. Searching to find the spot that seemingly is untouched by human’s selfishness. Where the plants and animals live like they should, in a clean and seemingly perfect setting. This is the land people dream about, poets write about, and artist paint. Nature is truly ideal. 

The folowing is a poem that I wrote that the painting inspired:

Oh please, let me get away from the city,

From the streets and people that are gritty,

To a place that is quiet and pretty.

Where the road ends and trails start.

Where the scent of flowers fill the air,

Away from the eyes of those who stare,

A place where I don’t have to have a care.

That place would have my heart.

The woods provide seekers shade,

As the sun warms up the glade.

The hectic stress begins to fade

As happiness starts to increase.

As the sun sets, it cast all in gold.

Its sight is too perfect to be told.

Its beauty just begins to unfold,

To those who seek peace.

-By Emily Van Nostrand