Monday, April 11, 2011

Ranch Reubidoux and Watts Towers

Hmm... What a couple days.  It's interesting how things work out. I think I tend experience quite a bit of synchronisity and serendipity.  Today I had to go to Watts, out of the blue to run a errand, and on my way back to the the freeway I decided I should at least try to come across the famous Watts Towers. Luck struck and I didn't even have to go more than a block off course.   As I stood looking at these incredible structures I reflected on a few things. I thought about the look of the neighborhood that possesses the towers,  these incredible spires seemed to have no effect on the look of the houses around them. No artists flocked to their beauty. Everywhere just the same depressed houses. And I wonder if what beauty I can create in my neighborhood, which I call "ghetto lite"  and will I ever feel the effects of what I do.

And then I thought about Rueben of Rancho Reubidoux (ranchoreubidoux.wordpress.com), and how he would probably incorporate the Watts Towers into his garden if only someone would put them on Craigslist.  Yesterday I was fortunate to visit his garden with Denise of the blog, agrowingobsession.com.  It's not often you get to see something that is so truly unique.  Rueben has like Rumplestiltskin spun gold from mere straw, carefully collecting and curating "junk" and assembling it into three dimensional and living collages. Denise and I both envied his restraint,  his garden is not full of plants like our gardens but studded with living pieces of sculpture. Throughout the garden there are "moments" and vignettes, which are as playful as they are beautiful, and surprisingly they all felt at home, not contrived.  Bravo Reuben!

Watts Towers




Rancho Reubidoux
























10 comments:

  1. We only just met, and already you know that I would totally strap the Watt's towers to the top of the Element and bring it home! Just saw Denise's blog post, and now yours ... so flattering for both of you to have taken so many great photos, thanks for sharing them. Hope to see you both soon, and thanks again for the great post — Love it! Reuben

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  2. Hanging head in shame...I've never seen the Watts Towers up close, but I always crane my neck to savor a glimpse when the Metro whizzes by them on the way to downtown. Great photos, Dustin.

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  3. I can't believe you didn't take me with you! I really wanted to see Reuben's garden. I love his blog as, of course, I love yours. Funny, I haven't noticed that you've subscribed to mine...

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  4. Sorry, that last comment was meant to be funny but sounded more like a whiney little girl. Well, if the whine fits...

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  5. Rueben. I will keep an eye on Craigslist for any curb alerts in Watts

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  6. Denise, I don't think it's your fault, between Watts' bad rep and poor signage, it's a wonder that anyone sees this masterpiece

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  7. Annette. I should have invited you! You would have loved it.

    Will join your blog now. BTW you are on my blog list already. I give and I give and I give...

    xox

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  8. lucky you to have visited the rancho in person! thanks for sharing the photos. the watts towers are even more amazing up close!

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  9. I laughed out loud when I read your remark about Reuben and the Watt's Towers on craigslist!

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  10. Danger girl, you gotta get out more. LOL

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