in seemingly odd places.I wish that I knew which blog I had originally seen this image on to give the proper credit. If it comes to me, I shall. This is by an artist Carol Hummel who among other things, has taken to shodding trees in underpants. She explains it a bit more poetically, "Dirt Divers” are a series of work that personifies trees highlighting human intrusion on natural objects. Instead of protection and care, this intrusion has the human element burying its head in the sand in denial of its impact. It raises questions about where human intrusion is appropriate when inflicted on our environment."
This brings me full circle to Julian who is (dependent upon which side of the wet pants you are on) having many accidents or "intentionals" may more accurately describe what's going on. This occurs mostly at school, but also at home. I do believe he is trying to tell us precisely what the artist has stated above but as relates to him, "It raises questions about where adult intrusion is appropriate when inflicted on my environment."
Sometimes I think I'm the only one who understands my child. People say that they do, but then do the damndest things to convey it. Meanwhile, Julian has it all figured out and is testing people like mad. So far they're not passing with flying colors.
Julian is patiently waiting for us to catch up before he goes on to the next lesson.
19 comments:
Years ago, I saw an art exhibit, perhaps by this very artist you mention, which had pantified trees in one corner.
A couple years ago, I tried my luck at putting a pair of double-xl's onto a tree.
A churchlady neighbor complained. Said she didn't enjoy looking at pornography from her windows (none of her windows looked out onto this particular tree). I think the yellow color made her uberconservative mind go off into the forbidden zone.
I took the old skivvies off the tree.
Ok!!!I think I am creating the wrong kind of art!!! I work hours on each piece and all this time I could have been fitting trees with tighty whiteys.
Mother's are the only ones that understand their Childern.
Sauerkraut, another free expressionist stopped in their tracks. I'll bet she had to crane her neck pretty good to be offended. Welcome and thanks for the visit.
Mo'a, actually I gave this artist the short shrift, she makes some amazing installations - go look over on her site. This was a little lighthearted on the surface which was why I chose it.
It's so true - mothers are the only ones who understand their children.
Oh, I so badly want to do a post on the way adults micro-manage the affairs of children ('for their own good'). It's a subject near and dear to my heart. Some things can't be taught.
Claire, I hope that you do that post. I always enjoy your perspective and you hold a place of esteem in my heart as you really seem to get your students.
I love the analogy you are making there! What else art is for if not to make us understand the world we live in better?
that is such a weird picture, yet with teh explanation by the artist kinda brilliant.
Think you captured it all in the last paragraph
Don't know if you have heard Pearl Jam's rock around Barack tonight!!!
lists.pearljam.com/Roust/rock_around_barack.m4a
I just got done reading my blog review over at humor-blogs.com
I want to thank you for your kind words and valuable advice. I plan to use it well.
Interestingly enough, my wife is just finishing up a book on simplicity that is scheduled for release in the fall. I sent her your blog link. You two have a lot in common.
Thanks again,
Don
Wow. That is one stark set of skivvies. (ugly, in that I would prefer to see the tree unclothed). Another wow at the art created by the artist you featured. Amazing. People never cease to astound me with their expressive creations.
You have described my 6 year old Hunter as well - although his accidents are getting less frequent. A mother certainly understands her children in a way the world never can.
Ariel, so very well put. It makes sense of all the messiness of life.
Minka, indeed. Her words really make you think which just seeing the picture, we all might just chuckle (which I did). I love seeing things through someone else's eyes.
Pia, this boy amazes me in so many ways. I will check out the link shortly. Thanks.
Don, take your time - it's not like I didn't slave over that review :)
You are most welcome and it was my pleasure to pitch in and edit the reviews. It seems your blog is holding steady in the upper rungs of Humor-blogs, so you're doing something right. I haven't been getting around much of late, but I sometimes lurk over from Humor-blogs. I'll be sure to leave a comment next time that I do.
Thank you for that - I am so very honored. Please keep me posted on your wife's book. I'd love to read it. Thanks for the visit.
Terry, indeed they are. It's true, I often find myself thinking - wow, how did they imagine that?
Aw Julian and Hunter do have their ties. He's completely trained and has just taken to having these "accidents." The cutest thing is when it occurs at home which I think is often just not wanting to break in action, he says "oopsie" to deflect any negative reaction. Who could argue with oopsie? And then he goes on to say in the voice that sounds suspciosly like me "it happens."
I'm sure you're right about Julian, but that artist's explanation seemed intrusive to me. Why can't it just be a tree in underpants, and we'll all draw our own conclusions?
Chuckling over your last line :D
If there's one thing you can predict about kids, it's that they're unpredictable. And as I'm sure you've learned, the harder you push, the harder they resist - it's a simple law of physics.
btw, not to change the subject, but thank you for doing that awesome interview with me today over at Central Snark. You are by far the finest spinnin' DJ in the business! :-)
Why is it that so many "well-meaning" adults try to tell parents how their children have to change to fit into society. I think a lot of times teachers try to get kids to do things that they think are "good" for them, even though it may not necessarily be good for every child. We are having a conflict (civilized) with a teacher that doesn't understand Ro's shyness. I think that when she's ready to tackle it, she will, but forcing her isn't doing any good. Anyway, maybe this has nothing to do with your situation, but it is true that only mothers understand their kids.
If I have learned anything from my three kids, it's that they are very unique and have very different and interesting ways of doing things, thinking, and getting my attention. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to deal with this particular, ummm, challenge; my kids didn't go that route, but my oldest does "things" sometimes if he feels no one understands him. He feels the need to explain himself and that I MUST understand and AGREE before he'll let it go.
For him, I think he has a need to feel understood and respected and will insist on it. Balancing his need with my need for him to understand that, eventually, dad does have the final say in a situation is hard.
Good luck, G.
As for me, my current battle with all three of them is figuring out how it is that they use up so much toilet paper!
It's about time we dealt with botanical indecency.
Hi, you're a sassy mama. Check my blog for details. :)
Weirsdo - a caption contest perhaps :) Yes, I see your point but I think the artist was making her creative statement. I might be presumptuous in saying that she wouldn't mind if we drew our own conclusions.
Terry, chuckling with you.
Jeff, that's one law of physics I've come to understand quite well.
And you are very welcome. It was a real treat to put TheReceders in the Spin cycle :)
Theresa, we all have our frustrations as parents, don't we? Why can't some children be shy? Not everyone is outgoing. What happened to be individuals? Ro will find her comfort zone and hopefully the teacher is respecting that (although I'm sure your civilized conflict is helping to make that clear).
Pavel, what is it with you Dads' obsessions, er concern with toilet paper? My take - one ply brands go fast!
I get that interplay with your oldest son. Julian has that going to some degree. Ah kids - they sure make life interesting ay?
Jonah, join me then! Shod a tree today.
Actonbell, as did I. I'm blushing under my lampsahde - why thank ya.
Theres: Hey, your new avatar is sassy! I'll be by soon.
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