“Take the Ride”
D10 – 0332 April 2010
Powder-coated free-standing palm tree with hand-applied paint to the tree and surfboard.
Overall size: height – 73″ width – 82″
Just completed, a palm tree for the ages. I have wanted to make a palm tree for a long time. Originally, I thought I might make it from horseshoes. (You know… Oklahoma, lots of horses; it might work!) However, this piece of steel came my way and it had palm tree written all over it. (Not literally, just figuratively.)
Living in my world of art is much like the goose who wakes up in a new world every day. I have learned to go with the flow.
You might wonder why this piece is named “Take the ride!”. It could be because of the surfboard and literally mean, take the surfboard and go for a ride. Not a bad idea if the ocean is close. However, that would just be too darn easy. I need to have a little more depth than that!
The days of our lives pass quickly like the changing patterns in the shifting sands on a windblown beach. Once they are gone, they never return nor can they be duplicated.
We all start life with approximately the same 25,550 days. Some people get a few more, others will get a few less. Yet it has never been the number of days we live that are important, but the quality with which we live those days. Don’t get me wrong. More days are better than less, but being brave enough to live each day without regret takes tons of courage.
As always, what brings me joy and happiness may not bring you the same feelings of contentment, and this is why I named the piece “Take the ride!”. Don’t be afraid to enjoy the pleasures and treasures God sends your way. It is the ride that gives us the journey of life filled with stories, friends, adventures, loves, and hopes.
Thanks for the “ride”!
