This week, John’s challenge is a focus on the Arts. Enjoy his inspiration of public art with a myriad of examples, here. He says:

Art is where you find it . Where do you find yours?

Is it any surprise to you, that we can find great art from the window of a car?

Anyone else agree that roadtrips are more than just the destination? As a passenger, in most instances, I am constantly on the look out for random, out of the ordinary, anything. It helps pass the time and also brings light to places we travel through.

Every place has wonders, enchantments, awe-inspiring beauty, and an invitation to learn it’s secrets.

Welcome to our roadtrip through Texas.

The Prada store outside Marfa, Texas was a great find. Apparently, it is an Instagram destination. For us, it was more of a, what was that, moment. We made a U-turn and discovered it isn’t a store at all. The sculptural art, came to fruition by two artists (Elmgreen & Dragnet) who got permission from Prada to use the name. A local rancher donated the small space of land, and Miuccia Prada handpicked the items on display.

What interests me most is when a work of art is no longer just an object ,but also touches reality and life. – Prada

Love locks, with a contemplative nudge by Dolly, surround the Prada store. Did I mention we were in the middle of nowhere?

To thine own self be true – Dolly

Closer to downtown Marfa, we discovered larger-than-life murals from the 1956 iconic western film, “Giant”. James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson were the stars, and the murals were built on the Reata Ranch, where the movie was filmed. The country-western music, playing from speakers hidden in rocks, was an extra surprise.

Marfa: Tough to get here. Tougher to explain.

Terlinga is the gateway to Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande. Eclectic is what came to mind for me. More on that another day, but it is here we had a put on the brakes moment. 593 is the sail number of the USS Thresher, a submarine lost at sea with no survivors. Did the property owner have a connection? Is there a reason he also built a pirate ship, has a Purple Heart displayed on his gate, and calls his home Passing Wind? If you find out the answers, will you let me know?

There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception. -Aldous Huxley

Our 4 days in Big Bend was filled with hiking, and exploration. It felt odd and random to find Mexican art and Tequila for sale on the side of the road, with nothing but a jar to collect money.

The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery. -Francis Bacon

And finally, on an off-road detour, we landed for lunch at the abandoned Marisco Mine. A quicksilver mine until 1943. Not sure I would be cut out for the lifestyle of a mining family, but I did like the view and the accidental art out the window.

Open your windows and look upon all he kinds of alive you can be. – Steve Tannen

Wind Kisses, Donna

Thank you to John for the inspiration in searching for art in any place we might stumble. In case you missed it, Art is where you find it. Where do you find yours? Interpretation is relative, and beauty in the eye of the beholder. Remember to link to his site, and use the Lens-Artists Tag so we can find you.

Thank you to Sofia for inspiring us with moody photos last week. I think we all learned, like art, mood is relative to the sender and the receiver. The responses were across the board creative. Moody landscapes, favorite places showed mystery, and curiosity. And who knew how fun it would be to see the expressions of animals.

Next week, make sure you visit Amy’s blog, The World is a Book. She has just returned from a fascinating trip to Japan. Visit her to see more of what that means.

Interested in learning more about the Lens Artists Challenge? Click here for more information.