Close to Home: Arboretum Exhibit

Three in the Prairie © 2010 Bo Mackison

The University of Wisconsin at Madison’s Arboretum provides me with frequent opportunities to photograph a tallgrass prairie. This prairie is the oldest restored prairie in the country, established in 1934. The Arboretum is a pioneer in the restoration and management of ecological communities. In focusing on re-establishing historic landscapes, especially those that predated large-scale human settlement, the arboretum staff introduced a new concept in ecology nearly eight decades ago: ecological restoration.

This Sunday (only) the Arboretum is sponsoring a special holiday sale — their second annual Close to Home: Arboretum Local Products Expo. The center will feature art,  gifts, and edible treats, all made in the Madison area by artists, craftspeople, and foodies, extraordinaire! It’s a great opportunity to purchase meaningful gifts this holiday season.

Where: University of Wisconsin – Madison Arboretum

When: Sunday November 28   10 AM to 4 PM

Shop Locally, Give Green this Holiday Season!

This will be my last art show of the year, although my photography and art cards are always available through the internet (see above on the header bar) or contact me for details and special orders. I will be several art festivals in Arizona in early 2011, and will return to Wisconsin for the “summer season” which will begin in May.

If you are in the Madison area, hope to see you at the Arboretum this Sunday. My booth will prominently feature large scale botanicals, both prints and canvases, and sets of photo art cards. Look for the green and white sign Seeded Earth Studio, Photography by Bo Mackison. Thanks!


Twirling Leaf

Twirling Leaf © 2010 Bo Mackison

It is hard to hear the north wind again,
And to watch the treetops, as they sway.

They sway, deeply and loudly, in an effort,
So much less than feeling, so much less than speech,

Saying and saying, the way things say
On the level of that which is not yet knowledge:

A revelation not yet intended.
It is like a critic of God, the world

And human nature, pensively seated
On the waste throne of his own wilderness.

Deeplier, deeplier, loudlier, loudlier,
The trees are swaying, swaying, swaying.

–   Wallace Stevens, The Region November

In Balance

In Balance © 2010 Bo Mackison

In art and dream may you proceed with abandon. In life may you proceed with balance and stealth. ~ Patti Smith

Autumn Mood

Autumn Mood © 2010 Bo Mackison

Autumn mood.

Blue mood.

Sweet evening.

Night mood.

Prairie Walk – Searching the Earth

Middleton Prairie

Prairie Abstract © 2010 Bo Mackison

Walking the remnant prairie. Again. It calls me at this time of year, a nearly barren place at first glance. But what photographer only takes a first glance? I go to find miracles.

I’m greeted by a raven, screeching at me, he watches my movement through the grasses. Screeches loudly from his safe perch on a high branch in the oak tree. “Squawk-away-away-away!” he calls to me. I listen for awhile, then think perhaps he’ll fly away soon, so I can listen to the prairie’s quiet.

I begin a conversation with Raven, he squawks, I talk. “Fine. Sit there then. And hold still. I’ll change my lens and take a proper portrait of you.” I suppose he’s not the portrait type. He takes wing before I can unzip my pack.

I return to my search on the earth, finding little pieces of miracles as I walk. I capture the wonder of it all in notes and line drawings in my field journal and in my photographs. I don’t want this special prairie walk to be relegated to the realm of my memories, mostly forgotten.