{"id":95419,"date":"2020-06-12T19:55:54","date_gmt":"2020-06-12T23:55:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/?p=95419"},"modified":"2020-06-21T14:40:43","modified_gmt":"2020-06-21T18:40:43","slug":"visit-to-sculptura-botanica-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/?p=95419","title":{"rendered":"visit to Sculptura Botanica part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8uSbi\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49967961773_eab9c1a1c0_z.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0776\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>potted plants on the porch of the garden office at the Sherman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>what<\/strong>:    in-situ installation showcasing botanical-themed ceramic work of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.secondnaturegardendesign.com\/\">Dustin Gimbel<\/a><\/li><li><strong>where<\/strong>:  <a href=\"https:\/\/thesherman.org\/\">Sherman Library &amp; Gardens<\/a><\/li><li><strong>when<\/strong>:  May 15 through September 15, 2020<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/thesherman.org\/event\/lunch-and-lecture-sculptura-botanica-with-dustin-gimbel\/\"><strong>lunch and lecture<\/strong><\/a>:   June 26, 2020, 11:30 a.m. and tour of the exhibit by Dustin Gimbel<\/li><li><strong>other venues<\/strong>:  Dustin will be exhibiting his work in a group show at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ruthbancroftgarden.org\/sculpture-show-2020\/\">Ruth Bancroft Garden <\/a>Friday in Walnut Creek, California, July 17, 2020<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It seems like a ridiculously short time ago that Dustin Gimbel was asking me, Hey, do you want to take a ceramics class?  Was that three years ago?  Four years?  As a garden designer his schedule is somewhat flexible, but I was still working full time and couldn&#8217;t fit it in.  From that point on, he&#8217;s been experiencing the creative equivalent of brain fever as he&#8217;s explored at a breakneck pace the possibilities of ceramics using the visual language of botanicals and in the context of garden design.  He&#8217;d already done lots of work with concrete molds and other formulations to make bespoke containers and totems, so studying ceramics seemed like a great fit.   But the speed at which he&#8217;s mastered the craft has been astonishing to witness, and I happily have various iterations of his increasing levels of mastery all around my garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j89Ukt\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49964066793_0ec2b1167d_c.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0712\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>About the Pollen Grain Towers Dustin says:  &#8220;<em>It\u2019s hard to imagine something more intricately sculptural than pollen grains as seen by the electron microscope. I wanted to show pollen grains in a new light, more than just a cause of allergies, something to be seen. This series of sculptures reimagines the origin of pollen emanating from mythical towers, the pollen ever budding, growing and dispersing.<\/em>&#8220;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8rTRt\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49967382073_814535ebab_z.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0730\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>What I&#8217;ve always admired about Dustin&#8217;s garden design work is its very graphic, sculptural qualities combined with a plant-forward sensibility.   In his ceramic work, he draws on and  expands both these strengths.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In short order his ceramics became available <a href=\"http:\/\/www.secondnaturegardendesign.com\/new-page-1\">online<\/a> and at local design shops, and he  secured his first show at the Sherman Library &amp; Gardens this May &#8212; and then the COVID-19 virus hit and seemingly upended everything.  Yet in the uncertainty over how and when to open the show safely, the work behind the scenes went on, planting, trimming and polishing until everything gleams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8dNUV\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49964828997_5880d6cfe0_z.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0710\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>All photos taken on <s>May <\/s> June 2, 2020<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The extra amount of time and focus the staff had in fine-tuning the installation and plantings may have been an unintended consequence of the pandemic,  but the results all that work produced are ravishing.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8w3NY\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49968192652_bc37bff551_c.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0738\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>&#8220;anther&#8221; sculptures tucked into existing plantings.  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sherman has done a thorough job of ensuring health and safety of attendees. Order the tickets online, follow distancing recommendations and one-way traffic flow patterns, and you&#8217;ll have a fabulous time taking in the collaboration between Dustin and the horticultural staff at the Sherman Gardens that is Sculptura Botanica.   For me, the sensory deprivation imposed by COVID-19 and being homebound for months made the experience of walking through the entrance gate similar to the moment when the Wizard of Oz movie shifts from black and white to color.   The scale of the Sherman is perfect for the installation, with excitement built and sustained around each new turn in the path. The horticultural talent on view at the Sherman always rewards a visit, but they really rose to this occasion with dense, detailed plantings specifically for this exhibit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8uj1Q\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49967853576_ba92373829_z.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0719\" width=\"640\" height=\"495\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>anther sculptures with leucospermum still lightly blooming in early June<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The interplay between the expert plantings and Dustin&#8217;s musings on botanical anatomy in clay make for a thoroughly engrossing visit. From every vantage point, the views are enthralling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8rMng\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49967360253_1b2883e6c7_z.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0725\" width=\"640\" height=\"399\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>Orange dahlias and possibly &#8216;Mystic Sprires&#8217; salvia underplant the Pollen Grain Towers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8uxUG\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49967900316_1d64e0d28f_z.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0729\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>Melianthus, Leucadendron &#8216;Jester,&#8217; smoke tree and so much more in an established bed in the entrance garden with the Pollen Grain Towers.  The sculptures were tucked into permanent plantings as well as having whole new plantings designed around them.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8uuo8\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49967888451_32e104ea4f_z.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0728\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>Always a plus when a visit coincides with the bloom of the walking iris, Neomarica caerulea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ll order the photos as closely as possible to the prescribed traffic flow through the garden, starting with the entrance into the central garden with the Pollen Grain Towers.   There is a prodigious amount of ceramic work in the show, and this is by no means representative of all of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8uzD3\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49967906136_f954a6c534_c.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0733\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>Echium wildpretii<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8vxn3\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49968093592_cf5bef9619_c.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0714\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>Dark-leaved dyckia just about finished blooming<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8vzri\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49968100567_2374abc52d_c.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0716\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8s9Ns\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49967432358_f5567291a9_c.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0743\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>pitcher plants!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaving the main entrance area and Pollen Grain Towers and following the recommended path, you can either enter the tropical conservatory and count the turtles and koi or stay on the path and head into the bromeliad garden.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8wqLL\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49968266532_42cb4be5fd_c.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0751\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8uNiX\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49967948761_1476d038f1_c.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0747\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8sc2k\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49967439833_c988663d08_c.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0748\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8wcYG\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49968223492_01234eece4_c.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0750\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8v5Sd\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49968004456_1f5cc2e8df_c.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0753\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The next big set piece is the Equisetium Towers centering a veg-planted parterre edged in santolina and possibly a vibrant chartreuse berberis (or a gold-leaved Lonicera nitida).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-flickr wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/2j8x8PB\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49968404621_2a39cb4acc_z.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0755\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And I&#8217;ll leave you here and finish up the rest of the visit to Sculptura Botanica next week.  Have a fine weekend!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>what: in-situ installation showcasing botanical-themed ceramic work of Dustin Gimbel where: Sherman Library &amp; Gardens when: May 15 through September 15, 2020 lunch and lecture: June 26, 2020, 11:30 a.m. and tour of the exhibit by Dustin Gimbel other venues: &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/?p=95419\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true},"categories":[2628,551,112],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paNJ2E-oP1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95419"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=95419"}],"version-history":[{"count":95,"href":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95419\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":95622,"href":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95419\/revisions\/95622"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=95419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=95419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/agrowingobsession.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=95419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}