TINA ERICKSON
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GARDEN OF THE DEPARTED

2/4/2021

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Walking on a hill amongst the dead, I picture myself on the bus. I passed this place hundreds of times on the way to my art studio. As the bus drove by, I could see glimpses of gravestones and thought, I would like to visit. For some reason, I never did. 

The pandemic brings me to locations I have neglected, or places of which I was previously unaware. I love cemeteries, however inappropriate or odd that may seem (but not a far stretch for most artists). I enjoy the peaceful, natural setting. Surface patina and flower fade are my muses in the garden of the departed. The statues are an outdoor museum of angels and saints. 

Now here, I am gleeful, albeit not quite sure if I am "allowed". Alone at first, I finally notice some dog walkers. These aren't just any dogs, but seeing eye dogs for the blind. The training school is not far from here, another place I have previously seen from the bus window. I wonder if the dogs realize the good service they provide, and the undeniable companionship. 

This cemetery is charming but poorly maintained. Many gravestones are in ruin or disrepair, fences fallen. Enamel portraits are cracked or have evidence of bullet damage, faces obscured. Were these individuals purposefully targeted, or is it just haphazard hooligan shenanigans? The grounds are left mostly to the elements, not overly planted with that golf course green grass. 

Recently there was a murmuration of starlings here. It went on for several days with much excitement and observation. One would think the birds would have brought me here then. Instead I chose to come at a time when the gatherings of those staring at the sky are absent, and the birds have flown away. 
wooden wings
fake flowers with stars
feet of broken statue
fake flower in rocks
damaged enamel portrait
grave fence
st francis figurine
tootsie roll pops on a gravestone
headless graveyard statue
hole in gravestone
scratched enamel portrait
fake leaves
grapes on gravestone
dirty flag in leaves
jesus and mary
chianti bottle
weathered cemetery bouquet
scratched enamel portrait
female statue in graveyard
damaged grave site
broken gross from gravestone
bullet mark in enamel portrait
hand missing on angel statue
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