Enjoyed working at a location that I’ve been wanting to use for some time. A premium sunset was the backdrop to a very lovely evening.
Premium Sunet
Recent “Yard ARTing”
While normally you’d find me out working in the creeks and wilds of south western Pennsylvania, the past few days I’ve spent some time focusing on the personal space where I live. Hope you enjoy my “Yard Art”
Indian Creek, PA
Spent a few hours working in the creek I played in as a child. It was the first time I’d been there to stone balance. The leaves were past peak and the waters were a little brown from recent rains, but the stones and experience was very good 🙂
Peak colors, warm waters, magic places
These stone balances were Inspired by peak leaf colors, lingering warm water and a small town named Ohiopyle. The leaves looked amazing as I made my way to town yesterday… All the harvest colors were showing, infectiously putting a smile on my face. The water was amazingly warm considering the time of year and recent cold weather. After a busy summer, Ohiopyle is turning back into the quiet, mountain town that I hold dear to my heart. The plethora of visitors now only appear on the weekends, which will soon fade as winter sets in. Its a transformation that takes place every year. The solitude is hypnotizing yet eerie at times. Time I embrace and use to create.
River day in October
Hard to believe the beautiful days recently. The unseasonable weather allowed for one more day of swimming and hanging out along the river in Connellsville. With a high near 80°F, it was hard to pass up the opportunity to take advantage. It may have been the last time to enjoy whats normally revered as summer activities, but time will tell. Soon enough I’ll be in my neoprene waders and going into winter mode… For now it’s wader free for me. ❤
Changing of the seasons
The fall season has begun, leaves are changing, cooler air is being ushered in, things I enjoy. It’s also the time of year that waders come out. I try to prolong not using them as much as possible. I find that the feeling of the water over my bare skin enhances my experience while balancing. One of the elements of life that has the capability of soothing, healing, making one feel content. As much as I dread using them, inevitably the waders must come out to continue stone balancing year round. Much like my fall tolerance to the waters turning too cold to immerse myself in, this balance didn’t come easy… The first build took an hour to achieve. This was a case where shims under my bottom rock (not the true bottom rock), but the first one I place on top of what nature has set on its own, would’ve made the balance happen quicker. Ethically I feel this practice has no place in stone balance and is far too much like cheating. Two successful builds failed before a single photo was taken. Frustration took hold and defeat was beginning to seem a harsh reality. Limiting myself to a final attempt, harnessed all remaining focus to rebuild the curved spine and wearily lifted the massive top stone to its intended resting place. Less than 10 minutes later, it happened. Here are a few photos from a recent Linn Run stone balance session. Welcome fall!
Woods magic
Recent works from Linn Run State Park in Rector, PA. A slight preview for the magnificent colorful season that is about to happen. ❤ Check my Linn Run Gallery page for 2015 work in the park. Stone balance ❤
July Limited Edition Print
Limited Edition Print, July 2015
There will be only 5 signed and numbered prints of this image. #1 already has a home with #2-5 currently available. Contact me by filling out the form below the image if interested in owning one of the remaining 4. This balance was created along Meadow Run in Ohiopyle State Park, PA
Beauty comes in all forms
So there’s this beautiful location in Ohiopyle State Park that I’ve wanted to visit for quite some time. I’ve run past it many times, gawking at the rocks from high above on the trail. To get to it would require serious effort, but it needed to happen in my eyes. Yesterday was the day. I made the hike in and descended this incredibly steep hillside gaining access to some of the most beautiful rocks I’ve ever seen. I made my way through this dried up bed eyeing thousands of amazing stones. Eventually I came to the river and determined where I was going to balance. I began the process of seeking out stones. As I bent down to pick up a beauty, I quickly noticed a Copperhead about an arms length away. Yup, definitely got my attention. Upon closer inspection, I noticed and even larger one behind the nearest one. Throughout my day I encountered 5 overall. Each trip picking through the stones proved to be more exciting than the previous. Most of them stayed in their “day” location, until the sun went down and then they all scattered to who knows where. I worked until near dark, photographing my balances. When it was time to leave, I realized the batteries in my flashlight were dead and my phone battery died hours ago, leaving me in near darkness to return through the obviously snake infested rocks. Needless to say my kind woods karma paid off. I made it back to the trail with nothing more than mosquito bites. I love the beauty of Copperheads (when I know where they are). The days adventure sure paid off. Can’t wait to go back 🙂
Photo Gallery updates
Added a bunch of new work in the 2015 Select Balances galleries. Under that section you’ll find sub galleries sorted by location to help those looking for photos from a specific area such as Ohiopyle, Jacob’s Creek, etc.
KeyStone Balance 