Because the work a day world had me preoccupied, it’s nice to be able to return to the river. This interaction with the Falls occurred about a week a go, but it also takes me back to the early days of this project. To stir the imagination I would challenge myself to only use materials found within the circle of a chosen tree. The results were often incongruous, but it was fun to do. The following polystyrene figure was made in a similar way where I allowed myself only materials available in a small area.
I found just enough Styrofoam for a head and body. Splitting a nut in half became the solution for the eyes. Bits and pieces of brightly colored plastic further called attention to the head.
The first heavy frost is near now. The flowers have bloomed and the seeds are going on their own journey. Migrating sandhill cranes have crossed overhead. I’m by this small “creek” that’s more of storm sewer overflow for the nearby village.
There’s always water flowing …even when it’s not raining at all. People like to fish here especially when the river is high and catfish are close to shore. When we do get high water, this spot catches many of the logs that drift in here and become stranded. I like to walk on top of this bridge when I’m crossing over from one section of the park to the other.
I moved the small figure I had made to the creek and snapped this portrait. On the riverbank I can find recently chewed willow saplings and I know there is a beaver currently around. Evidence of past beaver encounters mark some of the dead trees near the creek’s mouth.
Also in this vicinity are some of my favorite trees. There are particular sycamore and willow trees that have exposed root systems. These trees appear to be uprooting themselves and moving on which they do very slowly and deliberately!
The river has retreated from here for now. This is also a favored place for fishermen. The nearby fossil cliffs make a convenient place to cast a line or build a fire. The underlying limestone sends currents flowing in multiple and treacherous directions. The water here is usually well oxygenated and so it attracts fish.
I left this figure by the side of the path and walked to my vehicle. This day began sunny but quickly turned overcast and gray as it wore on. To close, here is another view of a tree with a great platform of roots showing by the nearby fossil cliffs.
Artist at Exit 0 Riverblog 
Al, those exposed root systems are just INCREDIBLE. Wow. Just imagine if trees could ‘walk’ with their roots. HMM.
Of course, the Ents from the Lord of the Rings comes to mind every time I see these trees! Yes, it would be interesting to see “walking” trees and even more interesting to see where they would walk towards.
LOL–of course, Ents. Where–now that’s an interesting question, Al. Where would I go if I were a tree?
These ‘walking trees’ are amazing! I wonder how long they last before they fall? Its interesting to see the river in all its seasonal changes too. Does it ever freeze over? You could build your figures into snowmen and let them hatch out naturally 🙂
Hi Lynda, The Ohio River only freezes on very rare occasions. I think since I’ve been in Louisville (going on 30 years now) it’s frozen only once. I think many people who see what I do think of them as being a kind of snowman. Usually, in January we receive more rain and melt off from northern snows and the river often swells then claiming whatever is still on the bank.
Thank-you for showing us these lovely trees. They do appear to be walking. I see so few of these around here. Not with that kind of exposure, anyway.
I imagine it would take living near a river where dramatic swings in water level happen to create similar trees. I can’t wait to see how much they can grow over the next few years!
wow lovely trees!
do they grow really like this — roots exposed?
🙂
Unbelievably, these trees are very much alive. Just shows you how much really happens underground. Thank you for your comments!
I love your photographs, especially the trees. You always had an eye for beautiful compositions.
Speaking of roots, some of this work takes my mind back to the chicken print on the wall in a wire cage in your little apartment in Murray, the blending of the found with the whimsy.
Thank you Rose, your comment takes me back to fond days!