The gorgeous elm tree next to my fifth floor apartment was felled this week. Up amidst it’s verdant leafy boughs, I enjoyed the cooling privacy it gave me. During light rains I could hear it tremble. In a soft breeze it sighed and swayed. In high windstorms, it vigorously brushed the brick and windows. I awoke to the gnarling sound of chainsaws and the sight of the nursing home that had been hidden by the elm’s foliage.
Shock quickly boiled into rage. I grabbed my sketchbook to indict the muthafukker cutting it down. Yes, I realized my elm was most likely diseased, that the crew was just doing their job, that they most likely had families that loved them, that they probably tithed at church, loved their pets, supported the local sports teams, Â had personal relations with Jesus, payed their taxes, and changed their socks often. O K, granted. Still, they were hacking my beautiful companion to pieces and feeding to the mechanical beast below my window.
Platinum Carbon ink, fountain pens, Pitt Pens, Tomoe River Paper.
I’m sorry, sad day.
Damn butchers of the natural world… should have popped him in the ass with a slingshot instead of preserving it on paper. Pave paradise and put up a parking lot man. Diggin the carnage though captured in the mechanical raptor rendering.
Thoroughly enjoyed your visit yesterday here in LOUAVUL! and much appreciate all you shared in the studio and in the field. The plethora of epiphanies were nonstop MASTER O’COLLEY and will eagerly await our next outing. I would love to shadow you in the field for a week… so let me know when space in the loft is available to schedule my next vacation.
There you go Master… “Diggin a week in the shadow of Don Colley, an intense study in LIFE”. I’ll start saving the dough.
Yeah, Mary.
Had a good time hanging with you Ed. Louavuhl is always a good time. Cheers.
I’m from Saint Paul and I’m really looking forward to seeing you at Wet Paint on Sat! I met you at the Farmer’s Market sketch thing with Wet Paint and I drew a portrait of you, about five or so years ago. I’m so glad I went to that because your drawings amaze and inspire me! See you you then. Hope you have a nice stay in Saint Paul!
Thank you Kim! See you at Wet Paint.