What about a tree instead

A piece of public art was erected on a roundabout in my neighborhood. The sculpture, Shift (2022), by Warren Hamrick, depicts a fractured world: a globe split in half by a shard-looking shape. The accompanying plaque says it “encourages reflection on transformation and resilience.” I wholeheartedly want to see more art in the world. But a freaking roundabout that trucks can barely handle is not the place. The area is bare, stuck between a blueberry farm and a walled community. It literally sticks out. Few people stop to look.

My one year old is obsessed with this thing. He spends long minutes pointing his finger at it babbling energetically. He seems to say: « can you believe it? This thing here? »

Why does everything have to be so political? It’s so ugly. Don’t tell me what to think Warren. Why here? Isn’t there a better ouse of time and resources? This shit probably cost a fortune to build… All thoughts occurring at the sight of it. It stimulates hate in me. Public art is a common thing and I didn’t give much thought to it.

Ironically, the residents of the same neighborhood are complaining about the tree trimming activity wrecking the peaceful trail around the community. The trees were here long before the development was planned. Planning is hard and homeowners love to complain. The aesthetic of living around big trees, safety hazards and insurance are tough to reconcile. Insurance won.

The trucks will be back, so will the smell of wood chip and shame. The awkward looks and conversation will continue.

Of course my petty comments above are classic knee-jerk reactions. I have lots of these. A younger version of me would have given some credit to the intent. A more recent one might acknowledge the pointlessness of all intentions. For a complex and unremarkable set of reasons, this is it. It doesn’t please my ethical sensibilities of the moment. Perhaps more neurotic projections than ethic. Wood, metal, private equity and local politics. What a delight for the mind. Great sanity checks.

I could have just said I’d prefer to see a tree instead. Now that I think about it, there are plenty of things I wish could be trees instead.