Entropy

Artists find inspiration in the darndest places! Last week in my inbox was a call to enter a new SAQA show entitled No PLace to Call Home. Enties must focus on some aspect of homelessness. In real life I am a clinical social worker and this is something I deal with every day. In order to maintain a healthy balance, I make an effort to leave work at work, but after a few days of thought, I came up with an idea. I checked my calendar and I just might have time to make the deadline if I get cracking. I am not quite ready to unveil my idea, but I decided I needed a few more photos to make it work.

We had a lovely spring day last Thursday and, lucky me, no clients booked for the last hour of the day so I took off early to enjoy the Spring sunshine. With digital camera in hand, I visited my secret location to capture some photos. As I was shooting, I thought back to my first quarter at Ohio Dominican University where I majored in social work 15 years ago. We discussed the concept of entropy, or what happens when things are left alone and allowed to fall into disrepair and eventual decay. That is what happened to these railroad cars and I think you might agree with me that even decay can be beautiful. We forget that decline is a natural part of the life cycle. I try hard to keep this in mind when I catch a glimpse in the mirror of my middle aged body. Oh dear.

On the way home there was just enough time to stop off at one of my favorite quilt shops and purchase some fabrics that resemble a rusted patina. Stay tuned to find out what happens with these photos in future posts.