Public Artwork
Fortune’s Folly
Artwork creator(s):
Newman, Holly
Text author(s):
Newman, Holly
Installation year:
2008 Description:
Text and objects are hung around a tree.
Text of the artwork:
Gather roses while ye may,
before the frightful winter
fades her promises away.
Grab tightly
this little green glimmer of hope,
perhaps today's the day
when luck should come your way.
Four and forty blue birds
nestled in this tree,
above the rattle of traffic
songs of happiness
for one and all to hear.
Hidden by the city lights
stars still chance to shine.
Alas, now's the time
wish, wish, wish.
(ode to a dandelion)
Oh little yellow flower
why so sad,
surely someone knows
your beauty to be had?
A warm round stone
held in the left hand
brings the promise
of a new found love,
or so I have heard.
The simple white daisy is not
a fortune-teller as claimed
for he may love you
or he may not.
How could she know
something he does not.
Fairy rings circle my lawn
with promises concerning
a land of magical potential.
A white butterfly,
like a changeling in the night
knows not the promises
that keep her secret safe.
A jar sits on my stoop,
gathering more dust
than moonbeams
but one day,
I'll be better off
than I am.
A rabbit wandered in my garden
brushing the bushes with
a bit of soft-footed luckiness.
A few crumbs of bread
help pass the time,
while the wily crow
gathers her promised
tale of darkness.
Artwork theme:
Nature, wildlife Note(s):
"The text became of greater importance, reflecting a subtle and somewhat ironic tone for the project. I realize that this project comes very close to the line of 'writer' but I must emphasize that I strongly see my work as a visual product, the material and placement in the urban landscape is crucial to understanding my motivation. Placing these works in the streets, inviting the passerby to become an incidental viewer strongly colors the text."
- From a conservation with the artist, April 2009
Artist's biography:
Holly Newman
Owner(s):
Holly Newman Document(s):
Syndicate
