Art and beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Recently I was sitting with Far Guy and Chance in downtown Bemidji, we were all waiting for Trica to run an errand.  I became bored and noticed one of the numerous beaver statues that are all around downtown on the corners.  I decided it may be worth a photograph..after all they looked artsy fartsy.  I wandered around the statue and took a number of photos..I really didn’t take time to inspect the work of art before my photo session.  People walked by and smiled..I just kept taking my photos, of the front, of the back and from the sides..it was a very colorful fiberglass beaver. Whoever painted it did a wonderful job.

The City of Bemidji commissioned nine local artists to paint designs on fiberglass beaver sculptures.  They will be on display in the downtown area for a year and then they will be auctioned off.

Little did I know that one of the beavers had been causing quite a ruckus in this small Scandinavian town.

I have been enjoying a news black out for the summer and fall..there is just no good news anymore. Far Guy keeps me up to date but there are a few news stories he apparently forgot to tell me.  Like the beaver up in Bemidji that was taken down because a few locals complained because they thought that a vagina was painted on one of the beavers…that was their interpretation…like I said beauty and art is in the eye of the beholder. The artist explained that it was Mother Earth praying and there were circles and roses coming from those hands.

Anyway Far Guy said “I wonder where that controversial beaver is located?”  He then proceeded to tell me all of what he knew.  When Trica returned to the vehicle we asked her if she knew where the statue was located..after all she lives in town.  She had no idea but called someone who did. 

Well wouldn’t you know it..of the nine beavers in town we just happened to be parked near the beaver with the supposed vagina and I just happened to take many photographs of it.

I turned my camera on..sure enough I got great photos of the controversial artwork. I don’t see what the big deal is..I suppose I would have eventually noticed..but at the time I just enjoyed the colors that my camera was capturing. I did notice the Lady Slipper that formed the beavers nose and mouth, and I thought it was a great addition. Leave it to me to notice a flower!  I do not find this artists work anything but colorful and imaginative..but beauty and art are in the eye of the beholder.

Since the painting on this sculpture is a controversial subject, I will not post a photo of it here.  However I am anxious to hear what you think..have a look at this news story ..and come back and give me your 2 cents worth:)