Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 7 January 2018

Sunday Selections #361

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.  River is having a blog break at the moment (and will be missed), so I am keeping the meme warm in her absence. 

 
Like River I usually run with a theme.  This week?  Like last, a bit of a hotch potch.


Starting with some more images from the Hyper Real Exhibition.  These figures faced each other and were huge.  Seven feet tall?  At least that.







Both are by Ron Mueck.  The first is simply titled 'pregnant woman' and the second 'wild man'.   Neither of them looked comfortable, though I could see more reason for her discomfort.

Then to another mini excursion.  We are baking at the moment (though not as hot as some parts of Oz) and we headed off one cloudy morning to visit the lake.  In the couple of hours we were out the temperature increased by 15 degrees Celsius ( nearly 60 degrees Fahrenheit).



So we headed into the Nara Peace Park gardens for some cool respite.  







Doesn't this pathway call for running water?



I suspect the garden is designed for spring and autumn displays when the cherry trees and the maples would be at their most spectacular, but it is a haven of peace at any time of the year.

And finishing up in our garden, which is being neglected a bit at the moment.  I go out in it as little as possible in the heat of the day.  Which I will pay for when the weather cools down again.










190 comments:

  1. As always, ur floor pictures are very pretty. And those nude statutes are very intriguing. Those hairy feet look so real photographed up close.

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    1. Jamie Ghione: For some reason I took quite a number of 'feet' close ups at the exhibition. And those clenched toes expressed discomfort soooo well.

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  2. Think both models look a bit apprehensive.
    Nice park, yeah, it cries out for some running water.
    You have some very lovely flowers!

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    1. Sharon Quails: Isn't it interesting what different emotions we take from those sculptures. I really liked the Peace Park, but would definitely have added water - despite the lake being only a stones-throw away.

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  3. Dear EC
    The statues are a little disconcerting, particularly as they are so big. The woman definitely has more reason to be uncomfortable!
    That final garden photo is beautiful, with the white tree bark echoing the white of the lilies. A lovely composition.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Quite a lot of the exhibits in Hyper Real were disconcerting. And thought provoking. And some were desperately sad (or I found them so). Lilies almost glow against that bark in some lights. And thank you.

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  4. The little flowers are hoyas? I used to have one growing inside. It was a toasty -23 C here this morning.

    The life like nudes were interesting. I think I saw them before but can't remember when

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: They are hoyas. We bought it at a street fair years ago when the owner complained it never flowered. There will be lots of flowers this year.

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  5. The Peace Park is lovely & the nudes very realistic!!

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    1. fishducky: Even seven or eight feet tall they were realistic.

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  6. They do look uncomfortable!

    The man looks so real I thougt he was a model.

    The woman...well, all I could think was how awkward it would be to be that model. Then I saw the next few photos. How awkward to be that model while pregnant.

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    1. Sandi: Hyper Real tricked me more than once as I wandered round. There were people I thought were statues, and statues I thought were people.

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    2. Wait wait...some of these were real??

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    3. Sandi: These are statues. And perhaps because of their size I never wondered about these ones. I will show some more later...

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  7. -32 C here today, EC. I’ve been indoors for days.

    That tree trunk in the last photo looks bleached. Beautiful. I love the variety in this post!

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    1. Marie Smith: -32C is unimaginable over here. And we are heading in the opposite direction. We will be nudging 40C today. And I won't by going out if I can avoid it.

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  8. Those statues are so real looking, it is eerie. I can only imagine being there in person and how unsettling that would be.

    Your temperatures boggle my mind. At least here we can add more layers when it's cold, but you can only take so many clothes off when it's hot!

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    1. jenny_o: Hyper Real was am accurately named exhibition wasn't it? And some of it was lovely and lots of it was disconcerting. And some heartbreaking.
      I am with you on the heat/cold equation. Putting on more clothes, having a hot shower, hot drink are much easier (and last longer) than taking off all you decently can.

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  9. I too avoid the heat of summer. I always taught summer school in that I felt I accomplished something over the summer. The paycheck always came in handy too.

    Your flowers are quite pretty. I've never seen the one that is pink with the red heart.

    Perhaps the man has just been told that is his baby? She definitely deserves to look uncomfortable.

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    1. Ann Bennett: The small flower is a hoya which lives on our front veranda and is inconspicuous for most of the year. I like your theory for the look of horror on 'wild man's' face. And I cannot imagine being that pregnant. Uncomfortable seems like an understatement.

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    2. I remember being that pregnant and never once feeling uncomfortable, although I know many women do.

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    3. River: I have never been pregnant (and never will) but it looks intensely uncomfortable from the outside.

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  10. I love nudity in the artist, and I love the trees. Thanks EC.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I am glad you enjoyed such different subjects.

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  11. I'm always surprised at the seemingly delicate plants and flowers that thrive in the heat. That park loos lovely. As for Wild Man and Pregnant Lady, he looks old and she like an explosion will occur at any moment...Best to you.

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    1. e: I expect she was glad when the explosion happened. Very glad.
      We lose things to heat each year (crispified) but I am amazed at what will come back. And mourn the things that don't.

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  12. Replies
    1. John Gray: You surprise me. Ugly? I don't think so. And have seen worse. And would see worse if I looked in the mirror.

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  13. Yes those statues certainly look a little uncomfortable.
    Beautiful parkland. I always enjoy seeing your photos of Canberra's surrounds.

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    1. CountryMum: It is a beautiful city isn't it? And too often unfairly maligned.

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  14. Those two hyper real exhibits sure do look hyper real! Amazing!

    I feel guilty for whingeing about the steamy humidity we'd been having, and are still experiencing to a lesser degree when I read and see on the weather reports the heat being experienced by the southern states at present. If the truth be known, we're pretty fortunate up here on the hill.

    Have a good week, EC....stay cool and stay out of that heat without guilt....take care. Cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: Our heat is vile, but it is a dry heat rather than a humid one. I don't like it, but cope better than I would with the added burden of humidity.
      I hope that you and your furry masters have a wonderful week -and some cooling breezes.

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  15. The garden is beautiful. And, that fellow needs a shave and a haircut.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: A trim at least wouldn't go astray would it? And thank you re the garden. I am looking at it, but from inside at the moment.

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  16. The nudes are so well done but not the most relaxed maybe they are thinking about all the sleepless nights to come when the baby arrives.
    The garden is lovely.
    Merle.........

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    1. Merlesworld: I can understand that explanation for the statues anxiety too. Easily.
      The garden needs work. Lots of work. Later.

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  17. The figures are so real looking. I think I would have a hard time looking at them. Sort of like staring.

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    1. Birdie: It did feel a bit like that. Somewhere between being a voyeur and intruding on private moments.

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  18. The outdoor adventure was more my style.

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  19. Now that woman was definitely ready to pop! Both sculptures are interesting and intriguing. Thanks for showing them to me. But much more to my liking are the incredible flowers and the beautiful peaceful garden. You are definitely eclectic in your posts! :-)

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    1. DJan: I am eclectic in my tastes too. Mind you, while I 'enjoyed' the Hyper Real exhibition I am more comfortable in the garden. Mine and others.

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  20. Hi EC - incredible statues ... he obviously doesn't like being looked at - and is wondering what to do if the woman gets any nearer ...

    The gardens are lovely ... and that heat - yes I know one wants shade ... all the best for the coming year - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: An incredible exhibition. Shade is definitely needed. Today is going to be very hot, and tomorrow too. So the cat and I are skulking inside. I hope you are enjoying your time in much chillier locales.

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  21. One wonders about the artfulness of extreme reality. I'll have to ponder.... Love the gardens.

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    1. Bill: I like my art to speak to me - which the hyper real exhibition certainly did. I am much more comfortable in the garden though.

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  22. Beautiful shots of the gardens. After the snowy week we had, it's wild to see things in bloom.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: I have been watching your weather. In amazement, and a tinge of jealousy. We do have things in bloom still, but the heat will see the end of a lot of it.

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  23. I'm so glad you're managing to keep cool(ish) and comfortable. Last night's weather forecast said 34 for Canberra today! At least, as you say, it is dry heat.
    I cannot believe how incredibly realistic the man's feet are - I keep going back to look at the little toe on his right foot - amazing!
    The Peace Park trees look so pretty and their green-ness is very cooling. And your lilies are gorgeous.

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    1. Alexia: It is 38 at the moment. We reached 34 at 11.00. Sigh.
      The feet on quite a lot of the hyper real sculptures got to me. I am not going to admit (for fear of being labelled a foot fetishist) how many photos of feet I took.

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  24. It is quite beautiful. The sculptures look like real people. Impressive.
    ; )

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    1. Caterina: I am still awed at just how real the sculptures are. And do love to wander by the lake.

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  25. Well, if it was the artist's intent to make the audience feel the discomfort of his subjects, I think he succeeded. lol
    Your outdoor shots are beautiful, as always. You always manage to capture such vivid colors and contrasts!

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    1. River Fairchild: I really don't know what the artists intentions were. Not an exhibition that you could leave without wondering though.
      And thank you re my photos.

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  26. I don't blame you for seeking some cooler temperatures in that beautiful peace garden. That looks like such a calming place - I am pretty sure I would love it there and probably find way too many things to capture with my camera. While you're baking, big parts of my country are in a deep freeze. Thankfully we don't have cold weather like that. One of the many reasons why I love Northern California.

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    1. Carola Bartz: I have seen the deep freeze images. And am particularly shocked at the frozen sharks and iguanas. I am glad that you live in a more moderate climate. Mostly.

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  27. Still blistering up here, though there have been a couple of showers.But it's storms that are needed.They will come,hopefully without too much damage.
    I expect I would "get more" out of the exhibition if I could walk around it.Static photos never quite draw me in.But I appreciate your Herculean efforts to bring such things to us!

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    1. dinahmow: I am sure you would get more out of the exhibition if you could walk around it. I did. And some pieces I walked round several times.
      It is still stinking hot here. Nearly 7.30 and 36C/97F. Bleah. Rain was predicted but hasn't happened.

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  28. Hi yes very hot in Sydney today.. a light SE breeze just bringing in some relief this evening. I saw an exhibition by Ron Mueck in Sydney some years ago and his sculptures are amazing if a little disturbing. What a lovely park and your own garden is doing well. I love hoya vine flowers.

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    1. Anna: I saw your temperatures and shuddered. Ours were bad enough. I am not certain I could cope with a whole exhibition by Ron Mueck. Perhaps, but it would certainly stay with me.

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  29. The tense toes looked so realistic. What an amazing artist.

    Looking at the garden pictures made me feel calm. Very lovely leaves, branches and trunks.

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    1. Bea: My own toes tensed in sympathy. They are incredibly realistic.
      I so often find calm in the garden.

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  30. I really like the photo of where you suggest there should be running water. I recall something similar that only ran with water after rain. I've heard of Ron Mueck. The male is very realistic, not so much the female.

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    1. Andrew: I wonder whether this one runs after rain. I will have to remember to look (if we ever get rain again). I thought both figures were realistic. And agree with DJan that she looked ready to pop.

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    2. Yes she is, although not many women are lucky enough to put on only "belly" weight while pregnant. A rare few and mostly with first pregnancies.

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    3. River: Oh good. I am glad to hear from someone with considerably more expertise in the matter than me. She looked so very tired. Which didn't surprise me. That is quite a weight to carry.

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    4. Most women, probably 99.9% put on enough weight all over that the waist and ribs are no longer visible, al least not as clearly as that statue, which does look more like a fake movie style belly. by the eighth and ninth month though, bellies to pop out quite a lot and look like a wheelbarrow is needed to support them.

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  31. The detail on those 'people' is amazing. I like that dramatic clouds photo. The Peace Park gardens are so beautiful and I agree that pathway does cry out for running water. Your lilies are lovely, I'm glad I can't smell them though and I wish my hoya was doing as well as yours. I hardly ever get my camera out of the drawer these days.

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    1. River: Some of my lilies would bother you, but some are not scented and shouldn't cause problems. There are a heap more flowers on the hoya to come out, which are teeny, weeny buds at the moment. It needs some pruning though.

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    2. You know how, when and where to prune a hoya? I tried trimming mine but it's looking so sad and a bit sunburned. could you maybe give me a few hints?
      I'm planning to repot it in the autumn, I think there is no nutrition left in the current pot.

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    3. River: I will look it up, but there are some dead branches which need cutting away. I add worm water and liquid feeders to the tiny pot that this one is in. When I have investigated and pruned I will send you an email.

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  32. I find the Ron Mueck sculptures absolutely compelling, and I'm not even sure why. I remember the previous ones you shared where I kept thinking about the worldview/experiences of the 'people'. Brilliant, and fascinating

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    1. Kim: I found the whole exhibition compelling and weeks later I still find myself thinking, wondering...
      Which has to make it a win.

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  33. I just saw that the temp in Sydney is 47 today, how horrible. I hope you're keeping a bit cooler in ACT.
    That baby is going to come very soon, be prepared and boil some water! So realistic. I'm wondering what those figures are made of. I don't really like them.... rather frightening, like the end of civilization somehow. The last ones left.

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    1. Shammickite: We were too hot (40) but didn't reach the obscene levels that Sydney did. I suspect their heat was more humid than ours too.
      I don't think 'like' was a term I would have applied to any of the exhibition. It made me think though. And is still making me wonder.

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  34. Fascinating photos as always. The statues are amazing and the flowers so beautiful.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: Thank you. Shortly I will go out and bring some of those blooms inside.

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  35. How i would love to walk those paths! It's lovely.

    There are some selections on my blog, too, nowhere near as pretty as yours. Just a few things i have no place to post.

    http://messymimismeanderings.blogspot.com/2018/01/cooking-question-and-sunday-selections.html

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    1. messymimi: I really enjoyed your Sunday Selections. Those paths were a treat - on a very hot day. And would be at any time of the year.

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  36. My goodness, the people look real enough to actually touch. That's quite some talent, and of course, I want to hang out at the park. I always enjoy looking at the lovely and colorful flowers, EC. Happy Sunday to you! Hugs...RO

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    1. RO: That intense reality was a bit disturbing in quite a number of the exhibits. The park on the other hand was serene and lovely. I hope your Sunday was wonderful as we start a new week.

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  37. I can't imagine the work and time that went into creating such real looking people. Oh so envious of your 60 degrees. It is below zero here today :(

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    1. mshatch: I would be happy with 60 too. Sadly that was 60 additional degrees. We have been pushing 100 for the last few days. Stay warm, stay safe. As I try and stay cool.

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  38. Your outdoor photos are beautiful. The man and woman were a little shocking to my not quite open yet eyes this sleepy Sunday morning. :)

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    1. Terri: There was a lot of nudity in the exhibiton. And some were beautiful, some were sad, and some were confronting. I hope your sleep Sunday is going well.

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  39. The statues made me feel uncomfortable perhaps because they seem uncomfortable; love the photos especially the white bark of the gum tree.

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    1. Linda Starr: That white bark just about glows in some light - and I love the tree. So do the birds.

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  40. I can understand the looks on their faces. That is how many of us feel in America today. The flowers, of course, bring out smiles.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I am glad to give you smiles. And worry about your political status rather a lot.

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  41. Oh those lilies... We have 72 more days of winter and a bitter one at that. I understand the heat though too. It is hard to stay at a perfect temperature. Where would that place be? I want to go there.

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    1. donna baker: As usual I got obsessional. There are literally dozens of lilies in bloom and more coming out each day.
      And yes, a little weather moderation would be very, very welcome.

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  42. Love the pregnant woman!
    But the other guy looks like Charlie Manson.
    The flowers are oh-so-comforting. xxx

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    1. My Inner Chick: I hadn't thought of the Manson connection - but can see it. And there was a sad, sick and dangerous man.

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  43. Gorgeous sculptures. So life-like.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: They were incredibly lifelike weren't they?

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  44. Statues Seven feet tall? I do agree they didn't look comfortable.

    Lovely to see your colourful flowers.
    I do hope the first week of the New Year has gone well for you, here's to the second one!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: At least seven feet tall. Possibly a bit more. They were imposing.
      The first week of the year just slipped by. I hope the New Year is treating you well.

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  45. Keep cool my dear! Your photos are so wonderful; the art interesting, the sky glorious, the green places and flowers SO restorative! This could be a week's worth of daily posts! Aloha

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    1. Cloudia: Thank you. I am doing my very best (with variable success) to stay cool. And don't have the energy for daily posts - which is probably why my posts are so photo heavy.

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  46. The statues are disturbing and intriguing both. The feet are very expressive.

    So lucky you have so much variety to choose from, and that we get to witness the beauty of seasons through your photos! Thank you.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: Disturbing and intriguing sums up the whole exhibition I think.
      We are very lucky here. There is always something to marvel at - and marvel I do.

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  47. Those statues look so real! Wow! Love the foot picture you got! They look like real feet! The park gardens are gorgeous, Stunning! Your flowers are so beautiful! Please keep cool! Stay out of the heat! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Those feet did look real didn't they? And I still scrunch my toes up each time I think of them. I am skulking inside out of the heat - and hope that you are warm and safe. Huge hugs.

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  48. Thanks so much for this photographic essay. Your pictures please my eyes and my spirit. The flowers are a great respite in this cold dark winter time we are having.

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    1. Glenda Council Beall: Thank you. It seems only fair - at the moment I am using pictures from your side of the world as respite from the sauna we are currently in.

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  49. I have seen quite a few photos of Muecks work and it is always interesting.
    The garden looks inviting (yours and the other one) Just the thought of the trees is cooling and you are right about the pathway needing a creek.

    Sending you wishes for a good week
    xo

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    1. kylie: It is interesting work isn't it? Not precisely comfortable, but certainly interesting. The Nara Peace Park is more inviting than mine at the moment, not least because I feel no compulsion to work in.
      Thank you for your good wishes - which I echo.

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  50. Flowers are beautiful.
    Interesting statues indeed - different showing it how it is.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: Thank you. The whole exhibition was great. Not always comfortable, but great.

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  51. Is it alright that I cracked up at the hyper-real faces? They're a perfect balance within the uncanny valley to amuse.

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    1. John Wiswell: Of course it is. There is too little laughter in this world.

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  52. A guy with two beards ! unusual.

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  53. Looks so realistic. But I love the flowers the most.

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    1. Lux G: Thank you. The lilies are blooming very, very well at the moment.

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  54. I'm pretty sure she's having triplets. She is VERY pregnant.

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    1. Robert Bennett: I still remember being chipped by my pendantic father on this very issue. You are or you are not he said. There are no degrees to pregnancy. Yes, I know, but I agree. She is indeed very pregnant.

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  55. So many wonders in this post. Look at those beautiful lilies!
    Those figures are so lifelike. What medium did he work with? Do you know?
    Have a day filled with energy and sparkle, my friend.

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    1. Sandra Cox: 'Mixed media' is all we were told. Which doesn't help my ignorant self at all. Thank you. I hope your day is filled with wonder. Himself has a birthday today, so it is all about him.

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  56. If it weren't for the size of those figures, I bet you would have thought they were real people. Amazing. I really loved the stroll you took us on and, of course, those flowers. I'm such a sucker for beautiful flowers.

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    1. cleemckenzie: The whole exhibition was like that. And I too am a sucker for gardens.

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  57. I think it's generally true that--as this post would suggest--that which is human is hideous, and that which isn't human is beautiful.

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    1. Snowbrush: Such a sweeping generalisation. And not one I wholeheartedly agree with.

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  58. I'm always in awe and a little jealous that you have such interesting and beautiful places to visit (including your garden). Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Myrna R.: Thank you. We live in a rich and varied city - and don't make enough use of it.

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  59. Oooooooooh I love his work! I've seen many pieces online and envy you the 3D view. Painfully realistic and fabulously huge. Have a gander at this one;

    https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ehNa60lgEMY/maxresdefault.jpg

    Beautiful photos of your visit through the greenery too dearie. X

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    1. All Consuming: He is totally dwarfed by his creation isn't he? I had never seen the one in your link before - thank you. Another which doesn't look happy...

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  60. Interesting works of art. I feel for that woman like no other!!! Ouch

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    1. Tammy Theriault: I don't think anyone can look without feeling.

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  61. I find the Hyper Real sculptures creepy - now that's good art.

    Your very soothing photography is good art too. It helped bring me back to solace.

    Take care, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: I found these easier to see than some of the others in the exhibition. And nature is often a solace for me.

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  62. Beautiful shots of the garden! And wow - those human sculptures are so realistic and a little disturbing.

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    1. Lady Fi: Lots of the exhibition was confronting. Sufficiently so that as you bought your tickets you were warned. I am glad we went though.

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  63. Do you know what medium was used for the statues. I want, no I need to view them up close and personal. Intriguing is too mild of a word, they are visually stunning and so detailed.
    As always you have gorgeous flowers and gardens there.
    Stay well hydrated and try to keep cool!

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: All we were told was 'mixed media'. His work is incredible isn't it? If you follow the link that All Consuming left you will see yet another of his giant pieces. And all the ones I have seen are tinged with sadness.

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  64. Oh wow, I'd be uncomfortable if I was the pregnant woman. Her back must be killing her!

    Beautiful photos of your garden!

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    1. Gwen Gardner: That is what I thought. My back ached in sympathy.

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  65. You are so right, EC. That pathway screams for water.
    YOU have a wonderful day.

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    1. Sandra Cox: How I would love a water feature at home. And a wonderful day to you too.

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    2. I would too, EC. The closest I've got is a water dish for the birds. Heh heh.

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  66. PS Belated Happy Birthday to Himself.

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  67. The gardens are spectacular in the sunny daylight with the trees perfect retreats for the cool shade. I can only imagine the effect heat would have on lilies, so its clear from your photos they're growing in the shade. Nice photos!

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    1. Spacer Guy: The lilies need quite a lot of sun - it is water lack rather than heat which kills them off. And thank you.

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  68. I love seeing the outside and the flowers!

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    1. The Happy Whisk: Thank you. There will be more, and probably very similiar, photos.

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  69. The art pieces sure do look lifelike!

    Your garden looks lovely to me. Love the colors and flowers. I miss my garden- though going out in the heat of the day is not appealing to me either. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: Thank you. As with any garden, ours is a work in progress. And at the moment it needs a LOT of work.

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  70. Have a day filled with sparkle and coolness.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. I hope that your day/week is sparkle laden too.

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  71. The figures look hyper real! Yes where is the water for the brook looking area? I don’t know how you get out in the heat....stay cool

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    1. Kim Standard: When I can I only go out early or late. The hyper real exhibition was aptly named wasn't it?

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  72. Hey Sue,

    Good grief, five minutes of scrolling and I reach the comment section :) Great stuff!

    Those figures are quite the eye-openers. Nice photos, as always. Thank you, Sue.

    Gary

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  73. Such fantastic pictures! Can I please take some of your heat? We are still digging out from a snowstorm. Our area isn't used to snow and it has been one heck of a week. It's supposed to rain tonight so we're hoping it will remove some of the snow from the roads so life can get back to normal again! haha

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    1. Elsie Amata: You can take some of our heat with my best wishes. Take as much as you like. I hope your area settles down quickly. Unexpected snow can wreak havoc.

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  74. Happy Thursday! Are those glorious flowers still blooming?

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. They are still blooming. In profusion.

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  75. Dear EC, that pathway does "cry" for water. (Tears?) But it is so serene, as is the garden that I could feel myself relaxing by just looking at the photographs. What a lovely park. Peace.

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    1. Dee: The Nara Peace Park is aptly named isn't it? It exudes peace, and I suspect does so all year round. Something we could all do with more of.

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  76. I love the pictures of the garden and open sky. Skies especially grab me. My son was telling me that's why we live in Florida, because the skies are always epic.

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    1. Crystal Collier: The sky speaks to me too. Often. It is yet another of the things I never tire of watching.

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  77. ye seither i could see the reason for their discomfort dear E .C as wild man lost his leaf around his but and pragnant women was looking for her "fit" clothes lol

    sky shot is breathtaking and loved the other beautiful views too

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  78. That last garden pic is perfect, could be a painting. I don't enjoy Ron Mueck, find his sculptures weird and creepy. Actually I often love weird and creepy but not in this case. I find the very hot days a challenge too.

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    1. catmint: I certainly couldn't live with any of his work - or indeed any of the work from the Hyper Real exhibition.
      I am very glad to hear that you liked my jungle shot. I often feel that 'real gardeners' would despise my patch.

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    2. Dear EC, What a thought-provoking comment - 'real gardeners' - what do you mean??? (Thought bubble: this could be a blog post)

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    3. catmint: I love the garden, and as well as the blood, sweat and tears it gives me joy, but I look at other gardens and know that I am a dabbler.

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  79. Just peeking in to back in the beauty of the scenery and wish you Happy Friday EC! Hugs...RO

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    1. RO: Megathanks. Saturday has landed here, and I am hoping for a cooler one. I hope your weekend is full of sunshine.

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  80. Those figures from the art exhibit look eerily real. Maybe the "wild man" looks uncomfortable because he'd rather be running wild in the woods than sitting inside on a piece of man-made furniture.

    With so much shade, that park looks like a wonderful escape from the hot sunshine. With those hot temperatures, I think I'd choose air conditioning, though.

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    1. Susan: Another explanation for wild man I can understand.
      The park is lovely. I do spend a lot of time hunkered down avoiding the heat, but it is so ubiquitous I have to go out some times. And the lake is a lovely spot to do so.

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  81. Wow.So many comment in there. What I say about this topic. I am really sock in this topic you are reply all comment. Your Information is really valuable for any one .Keep posting dear.

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    1. Mark Heflin: Welcome and thank you. If people take the time and trouble to comment on my posts it seems the least I can do to reply.

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  82. I love nude art in any form. That one dude does look like Charles Manson though.

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    1. Granny Annie: You would have loved this exhibition. There were rather a lot of rooms of nude art. And the gallery is arranging a nude viewing too. All the visitors get naked and wander round - before heading off to have drinks (dressed again).

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  83. Great pictures, both the nudes and the gardens.
    That must be how I looked when I was pregnant...say...makes me feel really broody!!😉😉


    Have a great weekend!

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    1. Ygraine: It looks hugely uncomfortable to me, but another blogger assures me it wasn't. You seem to echo that feeling.

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  84. Oh lilies! I just purchased a sad looking starburst lily from the grocery store....it looked as if it had traveled far to warm my kitchen:)
    Glad you are seeing them fresh.
    And those figures....amazing! Freakishly real-looking.
    Thanks for sharing your window on the world,
    Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: Our lilies are thriving. Though at the moment I have had to bring rather a lot inside since wind had laid them low. And the air is deliciously scented.

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  85. The figures are so life-like. Amazing.

    And I love your garden - especially that shot that shows the tree and the flowers.

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    1. Lynn: Isn't the detail incredible? And thank you re the garden. I do love that tree.

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  86. Wow this post looks impressive, especially the exhibition. Thank you for sharing!

    xx

    Linda from Beauty And Tips

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  87. Wonderful post, those statues are so much like real life, what artistic style! I am so jealous of those lovely days in the sun with greenery and nature at every turn. Luckily we are getting a bit of sun today, but it seems I almost have forgotten what a sunny day is!

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    1. Karen S.: I would gladly swap some of our sun for your cooler weather. I hope that you get lots of sun in the coming days.

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  88. Oh ... these statues are just like real people, well done.
    You have lovely sunny weather and beautiful flowers, I'm a little jealous :). We got yesterday snow, and one day was sunny day (very short day, because the sun is so low).

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    1. orvokki: Parts of Oz are getting rather too much sun at the moment. Some cooler weather would be more than welcome.

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