"Art is contemplation. It is the pleasure of the mind which searches into nature and which there divines the spirit of which nature herself is animated."-Auguste Rodin
Yesterday, it was an absolutely beautiful day along the Monterey Bay peninsula, especially in the town of Pacific Grove. I had forgotten how amazing that place is in the spring, when all the wildflowers are in bloom, and the cliffs become alive with the colors of the season, the most striking of which is the purple, it is planted all along the cliffs and waterfront. My favorite park in Pacific Grove is, Lovers Point. It offers a gorgeous view of the peninsula, and although not too big as parks go, it is more than just lovely... it's stunning! It truly lives up to it's name. :) The park has two prominent sculptures on display, my favorite being the above, "Butterfly," by Petaluma born sculptor, Gordon Newell. Engraved on the base of the sculpture are the words...
Gift of Hilda Van Sicklen
1964
Sculptor George Newell
Pacific Grove is "Butterfly Town USA," after all. Every year, in the autumn, I look forward to visiting the Monarch sanctuary, where thousands of monarchs can be seen settling in the eucalyptus grove, during their annual migration. According to a one volunteer I spoke with last October, there can be as many as 15,000 clustered high in the Monterey Pines, Eucalyptus and cypress trees within the sanctuary. :) It is a place of peace and comfort for me, I guess that's why I love this sculpture so very much, and yesterday, I finally got the opportunity to photograph it. :)There really isn't a bad time to visit the Monterey peninsula, even on a rainy day it portrays a romantic atmosphere, and there is natural beauty to be found everywhere.
-OndineMonet
"Butterfly"
Lover's Point Park
Pacific Grove, California
April 12th, 2007
Early Afternoon
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