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Martha
Jackson Jarvis
Ashe is the animating force that moves both earth and the
cosmos. The selection of my site was predicated on the high
energy and pronounced forces of Ashe present on the site.
The dynamic topography seemed to reveal secrets and fragments
of the many forces at work in the landscape of our lives.
I dedicate this work to Ochun, a deity in the pantheon of
Yoruba religion and mythology. Ochun is the female deity
of rivers, streams and creeks. She is known for her alluring
and sensual nature. Scholars have equated Ochun with the
Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Roman goddess Venus. Ochun
is usually accompanied and guarded by Ogun, the God of Iron,
War, Hunting, and Blacksmithing. Ogun is believed to be
the "clearer of the path". Ogun's presence is revealed in
iron cauldrons found in the garden.
The two cast iron cauldrons were used as molds to cast
multiple mound forms made of red clay, river sand, and
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cement. The mounds are placed as markers or energy points
along viewing meridians within the selected site. The dynamic
energy of the site is directed through strategically located
elements. The massive, fallen red oak directs energy across
the creek and serves as a metaphor of life and death. Forces
of decay and rejuvenation are apparent as the limbs of the
fallen tree are extended around the sweeping curve of the
creek's ox bow embankment. The finger extensions of the
interwoven tree limbs gently touch the placed stones and
fertile earth of the central peninsula. This culminating
touch symbolizes the return to the earth source. Large stones
were placed to mark the event and will remain after the
total decay of the tree form. The root formation of the
decaying oak tree was established using two root systems
of fallen sourwood trees. This suggests the energy of new
growth is directed toward the heavens. Just beyond the roots,
spiked rhythms of "fat lighter" strakes begins. I view the
addition of carved fat lighter as a gesture of hope, dreams
and destinies recorded and accumulated as we travel across
the symbolic tree of life.
Martha Jackson-Jarvis
2000
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