Hi Friends,
After the recent storms, I went to the ocean to see what driftwood and rocks had washed up on the beach. I started at Ormond Beach in Oxnard, which is a popular bird watching spot. Oh my goodness! The marsh was completely flooded and overflowing its banks.
The Giant Coreopsis were in full-bloom, and the one-mile path to the beach had become very overgrown.
There were rotting strawberries on the sand that had washed down from nearby fields in the heavy rains.
And it was so windy I could barely remain standing. I had the entire beach to myself because no one else was crazy enough to venture out under those conditions.
Two days later I went to San Jon beach in Ventura with my friend Diane. The weather was much better, and there were huge piles of driftwood and rocks.
It was overwhelming, so I concentrated on a small area and found lots of good stuff for artmaking.
There were toadstools in the sand, which I had never seen before. I guess from all of the rain we’ve had this year? I didn’t think fungus would grow in dry sand.
With all of these great finds, I’ve been putting together little rock and driftwood sculptures that I think of as small totems. The have a quiet and simple Zen-like quality that radiates harmony and peace.
I work with color, texture and shape to find just the right fit of rocks and wood for each piece. Here’s some of my recent work. My favorites are the ones made with wave-battered concrete, brick and asphalt.
How do you observe the change of seasons? I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts. You can share them with us in the comments section below.
With love and appreciation,
Cassandra
How fun!!! I love your finds and creations!
Thanks, Cindy! These are fun to make, and I love scouring the beach for finds.
Thank you for taking me on your inspiring adventure! Beautiful work!!
Thanks, Cinthia! Yes, it was a fun adventure. Reminds me of winters in Malibu when all of the driftwood would wash down into the creek next to Zuma.