Resident gardener, Chuck Pryor, is an artisan-craftsperson and stone-bead maker. His daily interaction with the garden over nine years’ time has cultivated a deep sense of place. He was the keeper of its stories and secrets, as well as a keen observer of its changing moods throughout the days and seasons. It is my hope that this collection of images, shot at various times of day, conveys these epiphanies. This garden shows what is possible when any daily work is approached with presence and spirit.
As is evident, the process reflects Chuck’s love of waterworn stone, patinized surfaces, and plants with appealing shapes, textures and scents. One of the whimsical and original aspects to Chuck’s work, and this garden, is his current predilection for separating objects from their original context and re-purposing them. Ultimately, they can be seen as pure form.
Sadly, the garden resides mostly now in these images. Most of it was dismantled in 2010-11 and its creator had to move away. As of this writing, Chuck still needs to relocate, and find a new home for his lovely collections of plants and artifacts.
Please contact Chuck if you would consider his assistance in creating something beautiful in your own garden or if you would consider a barter, gardening for live/work space. You can write Chuck at pearlsamongstswine (at) hotmail (dot) com. Find out more about him plus check out more pictures here from time to time or check out my collections on Flickr (user: LISgirl).
Check out the slideshow with music which is posted here as well as on Youtube under "Chuck's Garden." Feedback is welcome here or write emsterdamsel (at) gmail.com
-Emily Odza
Please read "About Chuck Pryor" to learn more about him. (11-19-12)
Temple Museum Garden...Preserving in pictures and stories a unique garden
