Carol and Penny in Nature
“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.“ - Dr. Seuss
A journal page from Penny Pemberton, April 1, 2021 and a photo of Carol Neel
Carol Neel and Penny Pemberton are long‑time creative partners and companions in my artistic life. Their support and collaboration have helped shape my work around healing, nature, and disability, and their presence in my projects reflects our shared commitment to community‑based art-making and mutual care within an evolving creative network. — Candace Garlock
Art Journaling by Penny Pemberton:
Seasons at Silver tip, October 11, 2017
AUTUMN
The brilliant sunlit yellow & orange leaves of the quakies dance in the cool slight breeze.
A gust of wind strokes their branches & the leaves say goodbye & float off like glittering golden nuggets falling to adorn the ground
Soon now the white aspen trunks & branches will be undressed by the falling of their leaves.
The majestic junipers stand tall & silent as the morning sun kisses their trunks.
The sage & grasses rising from between the granite boulders are adopting their coming winter colors.
The warm sun blankets the top of the rocks, and I wonder if the yellow bellied marmots will come out to bask in the warmth, or have they gone to bed for the winter
October 11, 2017 Hope Valley wildlife area, Fisherman’s access
As I walk down the trail through a corridor of pine trees, the brisk cold breeze ruffles up their fallen needles from the ground in front of me.
I breathe in deeply , and hold the pure fresh mountain air for a few seconds in my lungs before releasing it back into the universe.
The pines are providing aroma therapy and my body is being cleansed.
The river is still coursing through the meadow, alternatively rapid & gentle, singing its song.
As the willows & rushes ebb & flow with the caress of the wind, I notice that they have given up their golden brown, red & green hues to a beautiful wheat and rust color.
A Chickadee greets me from a nearby tree, offering a welcoming chick a dee de. I see you , I hear you my friend. My favorite little bird always brings me joy.
The honesty of nature fills my soul.
Yes, fall is giving away to the coming of winter. And so the seasons go, transitioning into one another gracefully.
