The phrase beauty is in the eye of the beholder originated in the 1876 novel Molly Brown. The
word “beholder” refers to someone who uses their senses to gain awareness of things, especially
through sight and sounds. Art is in the eye of the beholder, and everyone will have their own
interpretation. Through some of my photographs, I will share mine…
1. Three Wise Monkeys (Portland, Maine)
Titled “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil”. In many different cultures it means if we don’t hear, see, or speak no evil, we can be spared from evil.
2. Great Blue Heron (Corn Lake, Grand Junction, Colorado)
It has a life span of 15 years and this statuesque wading bird can be found in lakes, ponds and rivers. It is a symbol of patience, good luck, self-determination and self-reliance.
3.Boca Negra Canyon Rock Art (Petroglyph National Monument, Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Rock arts are human-made markings placed on natural surfaces, typically vertical stone. They possess deep spiritual significance for today’s Pueblo Indians. Some here are believed to be 3,000 years old.
4. Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas)
Called a quirky public art display, it features 10 half-buried vintage Cadillacs, covered with bright, colorful graffiti! It was created as a tribute to the American automobile culture.
5. Dignity of Earth and Sky (I-90, Chamberlain Rest Area, South Dakota)
Casting a peaceful gaze across the waters of the Missouri River, Dignity is a stunning combination of art and history. Standing on a bluff, this 50-foot statue honors the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. She was created to be a symbol of respect and promise for the future.
6. Underneath the Historical Brumley Swinging Bridge (Miller County, Missouri)
Also known as the Grand Auglaize Bridge, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. For over 90 years this unique wooden bridge carried vehicles across its 500-foot span.
Although now closed to traffic, you can still visit the bridge and it has and still is an attraction for visitors to the Lake of the Ozark State Park.
7. Aircraft Nose Art (Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, Denver, Colorado)
Ever since men first went to war in airplanes, they have felt the need to decorate their machines with unofficial, often banned and personal markings. It was thought that nose art created a powerful bond between man and machine, boost morale, bring good luck and brought back memories of home. Nose art has been compared to the graffiti of the 20th century.
8. Navajo summer shelter (Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle, Arizona).
This Navajo summer shelter is called a brush Hogan or chaha’oh. They are temporary structures, used during the summer months, by families when moving sheep to higher pastures. They can vary in size depending on the needs of the family and also the amount of materials available.
Barbara Oliver, Author
Barbara & her husband, Mike traveled with their RV for about 30 years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, building houses throughout the United States. My first story was written in junior high. Writing for traveling magazines....Highways, Trailer Life, RV Life, Escapees and Woodall's, as well as a local senior newspaper, the Beacon.
I like to sew, read, walking and cooking. Also love hanging out with family/grandkids and great grandchildren.
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