Welcome to the last Friday of the month. Gosh, it is just me or did this month fly by? Elsa here and I’m joined by Wilson, the House Pony with today’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what other posts were shared. Today is the first installment from Mom’s recent trip to the Denver Botanical Gardens where she saw the latest outdoor exhibit called Spirit Guides in addition to gorgeous beautiful trees and blooming flowers. So what’s this special exhibit all about? It’s full of fantastical, large animal sculptures that remind us of the connection between inhabitants of the natural and cosmological world. So who exactly are these artists? Jacobo and María Ángeles are a married artistic team based in Oaxaca, Mexico. These brightly colored sculptures are made from fiberglass and acrylic paint and are distinctly patterned, combining contemporary art practices with folk art traditions. The workshop where they created these sculptures doubles as an art school, allowing its attendees a way to advance and develop their artistic skills. These creations have been exhibited in museums throughout the world depicting imaginary hybrid animals that act as spirit guides. So come along and let’s check a few of them out.
Wilson: Near the entrance to the gardens, this guy greeted everyone. Can you say colorful?!
Elsa: WHAT…I CAN’T HEAR YOU…THAT SCULPTURE IS TOO LOUD!
Wilson: Now, now, little sister. Be nice. I rather think it’s quite fetching. There were some remarkable creatures and I was quite pleased there were no squirrel-like creatures in the lot.
Elsa: You and your obsession with squirrels. Let it go, dude.
Wilson: Ahem, let see another one of those colorful ‘spirit guides.’ This one was near the exit. Just look at the whimsicalness.
Elsa: You call that whimsical? He seems a bit scary even if the colors were amazing. You weren’t afraid of him?
Wilson: What? Oh heavens, no. He just put on a brave face no doubt because of all the visitors to the gardens. It was a pretty packed place with several large groups of kids visiting the gardens. I think he was just trying to brave the crowds and put on that serious face because of the heat. It was another toasty day in the Mile High after reaching triple digits earlier in the week.
Elsa: Seems plausible. It has been hot. Got any photos that aren’t quite as serious looking?
Wilson: Well, how about this one? I thought he was pretty silly looking in a whimsical sort of way. Can you believe all that detailed work on the tail feathers? Almost makes you dizzy, doesn’t it? You really needed to walk all around these sculptures and check it out from every angle to truly appreciate how amazing they were.
Elsa: You got that right…peacocks should never be taken seriously. They’re silly birds.
Wilson: I’m not sure about the silly part. I mean, look at the close up of his face. He’s the first peacock I’ve ever seen. So what do you think this is supposed to be?
Elsa: Is that a rhetorical question? Those are Airbnb condos for pollinators who need a place to stay while passing through town. Mom said the gardens revamped that condo area by adding various kinds of wood and sticks as well as woolen baskets, boxes and fabric. The baskets are umm…creative. But I’m glad to see all the interest in helping pollinators out a bit. They need as much help as they can get these days, what with climate change and other environmental conditions.
Wilson: Blimey…look at all those fabric bits. A bloke could have a ball shredding/chewing all those bits.
Elsa: Ssshhh…don’t let Mom hear you say that…she’ll blame you for everything that mysteriously finds itself shredded/chewed. Hmmm, that gives me an idea…I think I just found a terrific foil for conducting special Ninja business.
Wilson: What’s that you say…I’m not sure I heard you right.
Elsa: Oh nothing {changing the subject}. Got any other photos you care to share?
Wilson: Well…while we’re on the topic of pollinators, Mum said there were loads of Swallowtail butterflies and dragonflies flitting around. She followed a few of the Swallowtails but the dragonflies never landed long enough to photograph. Way too quick I guess, but they were apparently great entertainment. I’m sure I could have captured one or two of them.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} Oh right. You haven’t even been able to capture a single miller moth yet.
Wilson: Well they taste like crap so why in the world would I even want to try?
Elsa: Uh-huh. Whatever gets you through the night, Big Guy. Okay, let’s save some pics for next week, shall we? So what’s on your agenda this weekend?
Wilson: Mum says I’m to going to have a second evaluation for doing pet therapy visits at the hospital. I hear there may be treats involved so I’ll be sure to be on my best behavior.
Elsa: Oh for heaven’s sake…do you ever think of anything other than food?
Wilson: What else is there when it comes to securing a good dog’s attention? Apart from plotting against squirrels, that is.
Elsa: Oh jeez. Well whatever you do, we hope you stay as cool as possible. Enjoy your weekend.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Elsa and Wilson, these are wonderful pictures from a fabulous exhibit. Colorful is definitely the main word to use here. Great shots. It is a very cool theme to explore. Hey Wilson, good luck on that evaluation. I am sure Mom has some tips on how to impress those “judges.”
Thanks, Bruce. As it turned out, we passed with flying colors (yay!) and now the hard part begins-lots of training sessions so he is 100% comfortable in a hospital setting. He’s experienced such an amazing amount of changes in 6 short months and I don’t want to overwhelm his sensitive spirit. 🤞🏼
We’re showcasing the rest of the spirit guide photos this Friday-saving the best for last, I think. 😊
That sounds like an amazing exhibit! The Denver Botanical Gardens must be a beautiful place to visit. I’m curious, what was your favorite sculpture from the Spirit Guides exhibit, and what made it stand out to you? The way Jacobo and María Ángeles blend contemporary and folk art traditions sounds fascinating!
It’s a favorite place of mine to slip away and enjoy some solitude in the heart of the city. Each sculpture was so unique; I like several equally very much. Next week’s post will conclude with a few more photos. Stay tuned (and thank you for swinging by the Ranch and leaving a comment; we 💙
visitors).
Those sculptures are fantastic! What a cool thing to visit!
When I walked in and saw that first sculpture, I immediately thought of you since I know how much you like orange. The colors were just incredible and I walked around in awe of the artists.
Awww shucks! That’s so sweet. I would love to see such a display.
It would have been my great pleasure to take you to that exhibit. Hope next week’s post with more pics of the spirit guides will be a good second best option. Have a beautifully colorful weekend.
I would have loved to accompany you. Looking forward to them.
Not too much colour happening here. Been raining all day and will continue to do so all night and tomorrow, too. Oh well…
If you prefer, I’d happily accept whatever rain you don’t need/want. 😉
Spectacular sculptures!!
I love seeing the swallowtails here too…but I wish I would see more monarchs…they seem to be on the decline.
Thanks. Swallowtails have become much more common around the Ranch in the past few years. While I like monarchs, Swallowtails are found more often here. Humans need to take note of how we’re impacting flora and fauna everywhere.
Java Bean: “Ayyy, I am not sure those spirit guides could guide me anywhere, because I would probably be running away from them as soon as I noticed them!”
They aren’t so scary and certainly not as dangerous as rattlesnakes!
Fantastic, colorful sculptures! 🤩 That must be a popular exhibit, I imagine.
Have a great weekend!
Thanks. The gardens were jam packed and it was a hot day. Good thing they have lots of benches under shady trees.
Big props to the dynamic duo! Both dynamic duos!
And those colors, I just love them. There is something about this art that resonates with me.
It was quite stunning and totally mesmerizing. I mean…look at all those shapes of beautiful paint creating something spectacular! Have a great weekend! Stay cool. 😎
Truly spectacular.
Wow those are amazing!!
xoxo,
Matilda & Mama
Thanks. Aren’t they something else? We hope you have a sensational weekend.
Those are big sculptures, very unique. Great photos. XO
Thanks, Ellen. Yes, they are quite unique as well as colorful They were quite cheery to look at! Have a super weekend.
So much beautiful colors in this post….I really love the sculptures and have put the Denver Botanical Garden on my list of places to visit!
It’s a great botanical garden to visit. So many amazing and different areas-I’m sure you’ll love it. This was a fun exhibit to tour amongst the pretty flowers. I especially recommend the Japanese garden area. They displayed a bunch of bonsai trees that have been “in training” for many years. Very cool to see them-we’ll share pics next week.
Wow, I don’t know if I’d be scared or invite them in. *little wags* Riley
Hey House Pony, you’re right! Angel Lexi loved doing therapy, and she always got paid. She also insisted on a down-payment before she started! I mean, all the doctors and nurses and other staff get paid, right? Why shouldn’t you? XOX Xena
We’re confident Riley could easily handle those creatures. Sam was that way and I had to limit his treats because he’d stop responding to patients. He was no ordinary fool despite being a knucklehead. 😆
WOW….what an interesting place to visit and those art installations are absolutely fabulous! I wouldn’t want one in my living room but oooh la la they are amazing.
Hugs, Pam
Yeah, they’re definitely not for everyone but they really are spectacular pieces of artwork. Have a great weekend!
Wonderful sculptures, Monika. I have so much respect for creative people and these folks are very creative. Wishing Wilson the best on the evaluation.
Thanks for the well wishes, John. I know what you mean about appreciating people who have such amazing artistic talents. Clearly these folks totally do. Have a great weekend-stay cool.
Have a great weekend as well, Monika. We are in the 100s next week
Upper 90’s here. It’s gonna be a l-o-n-g summer. I think. 🥵
I think so too.
Chasing moths? … Owen follows spiders in the yard!
The miller moths are migrating to the mountains right now and drive dogs and cats crazy in early summer. Wilson discovered roly-poly bugs and grasshoppers recently-it’s hilarious to watch him try to catch them. Thankfully, he hasn’t been very successful. They make my stomach wince just thinking about eating them. 😁
Not my idea of a snack either.
Cool scuptures! I remember those miller moths, they were a hit with my cats. Enjoy the weekend!
Thanks, Lisa. Oh yes, every cat and dog in the metro area tries to eat them. The thought just grosses me out. Usually those moths are able to avoid capture but every once in a while there is a casualty which results in a ‘blech’ gotta get that nasty taste out of my mouth head shake. Always cracks me up. 😊
Yes, it’s so funny. Mine were young when we lived there and they were like acrobats jumping to get them. Now I have 2 old men who just look at your finger when you try to point out a bug or spider to them, sigh…
Wilson has discovered roly-poly bugs. I’m sure this autumn he’ll discover crickets as well. They are such an endless font of heartwarming entertainment. 💙
Wow … Those creations are beautiful, colorful, and creative. No wonder you visited the exhibition. For me, it’s tough to beat a colorful flying armadillo. Enjoy your weekend. Hope all is well with you. Cheers.
Between the amazing colors and the whimsy, they were a pretty amazing exhibit. The gardens always have something cool going on beside beautiful flowers and manicured beds. Here’s to a splendid weekend-stay as cool as you can. We’re so over the summer heat and it isn’t even July yet. Awk!
we love the monkey… it fits to us somehow LOL… happy furryday to you
Hee, hee…not surprised you guys might identify with the monkey. Wait until next week’s installment. There are some amazing creatures. Enjoy your weekend!
I like the peacock one the best! They are definitely all colorful. 🙂
Good luck a the second evaluation Wilson. I am sure you will pass with flying colors and Yum on the treats. 🙂
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! <3
It was quite amazing. Can’t imagine how long painting one of those takes. Such precision in all those colors-much like fitting mosaic tiles. Here’s hoping you have a wonderful weekend!
Yes! I couldn’t do that! But I am no painter. You could do it. 😉
Probably, but I don’t think I’d want to-that’s a remarkable amount of work! LOL
😂 Agree! Start out doing something smaller. Like a squirrel. 😂
Wilson: NOW you’re talking!
Elsa: Oh for the love of all that’s holy, you had to go there, didn’t you?
🤣
Haha! Sorry Elsa, but yup! 🤣🤣
You’re just plain evil, aren’t ya? 😈
Bawhaha! Hey, Wilson doesn’t think I am evil! 😂
He’s a House Pony…what does he know?
~Elsa 🐾
Not as much as the wonderful, wise Elsa, thats for sure. 🙂
Flattery will get you…everywhere. LOL
😂I know!
Those bright creatures are really something! We love bright color so they are fun. The monkey we find to be a bit creepy, but we still like him. All the stuffing stuffed into the pile reminded Mom of her Kuvasz, Katie. She used to take her to the park and brush her. It looked like a snowstorm had happened when she finished. The birds all had tons of nice fluff for their nests free of charge. All they had to do was bring it to their nest.
Yeah, Mom thought the monkey creature was a bit grumpy looking, not what you might expect from fun loving monkeys.
We put our dog hair in the compost bin-the scent of dogs keeps mice away and birds can help themselves to the construction materials. Mom swears of the barn swallows from Sloan’s Lake must use our spare from grooming sessions-she sees dog hair in their nests. Have a colorful and fun weekend!
That looks like it was a fun trip and boy, the colorful art is sure beautiful!
They were very stunning, even if you’re not into that kind of art. Couldn’t help but be captivated by their larger than life presence. Hope you guys have a great weekend! Stay cool.
The spirit animals did not do it for me…too divorced from the culture, I suppose…but the pollinators did!
I see how they’re not for everyone but Mom was blown away by the color and the intricate patterns over very large sculptures. Watching dragonflies and butterflies doing their magic is quite mesmerizing. We hope you have a great weekend, Helen.
Your fur-iends,
Elsa & Wilson, the House Pony 🐾
What a cool idea to make a pollinator B and B! And the sculptures are so beautiful!
They are definitely visually striking. Mom loved the B&B houses. She’d love to get a kit and hang it around our garden. Along with a bat house. She’s pawsitively batty about bats who are also phenomenal pollinators!
Your fur-iends,
Elsa & Wilson, the House Pony 🐾
Beautiful creatures and photos. And good luck on your next therapy dog evaluation Wilson. I’m sure you’ll be perfect!
Thanks. Wait till you see next week’s spirit guides.
We’re slightly anxious about the therapy eval. Wilson has only been with us for 5 months and could stand more integration into our urban setting. That said, he’s a pretty sweet boy-we’ll have a better idea after today’s test. We’ve been quite surprised how they’re fast-tracking us. It took a lot long to get through all the requirements with both Sam and Norman. Have a lovely weekend.
Your fur-iends,
Elsa & Wilson, the House Pony 🐾
I bet they are fast tracking you because they know you and what a good team you were with Sam and Norman. I bet they want you back very much!
Hope springs eternal. We just got back-he passed but there’s lots of room for improvement. Considering he’s only been with me a little over 5 months, he’sd definitely come a long way on stimuli. 🤞🏼
Congratulations! And he’s got a wonderful guide to show him the ropes. You two will make a great team. I’m sure they’re delighted to have you back!
You’re too kind-thank you. I was reviewing my training forms last night and it’s interesting how it all manages to come back to your brain.
You’ve been doing this so long, it is basically muscle memory at this point!
Hope springs eternal! 🤞🏼
Those are amazing sculptures!
Thanks, Kate. They are definitely quite colorful! Have a super weekend.
Thanks.