Mysterious – Ese’s Shoot n Quote

“When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for us to stand on or we will be taught to fly.”   ~ Patrick Overton

Kenny Hill Sculpture Garden
Chauvin, Louisiana

Ese’s Weekly Shoot & Quote Challenge:
Mysterious

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Kenny Hill Sculpture Garden

Kenny Hill, a bricklayer by day, and self-taught artist by evening and weekend, created over 100 pieces of sculpture out of cement and wire mesh. He was a private man, and the folk art pieces he created were not meant for anyone’s eyes but his. It is said he denied interviews and photographs. Not much is known about him, other than he started working on this folk art world in 1989 – 1990. He began transforming his shaded bayou environment into a mesmerizing chronicle of the world as seen through his eyes. There is a profound mixture of Biblical reference, with bright Cajun colors and stark black, with evident themes of pain, inner struggle, conflict between good and evil. A message of salvation is intertwined throughout the pieces. He has figures of black and white, male, female, a child, soldiers as well as many self-portrayals. All of the pieces are guided, supported or lifted by various versions of angels. Some of the angels seem celestial, some inviting while others seem daunting. Towards the back of the garden is the most prominent piece in the garden … a lighthouse. It is 45 feet tall, composed of 7,000 bricks, with figures clinging to the outside: cowboys, soldiers, angels, God, and Hill himself.

In January 2000, after having a disagreement with the local parish (one speculation), Kenny abruptly left the site and area. When visitors discovered his absence they found a hand painted message above the kitchen sink: “HELL IS HERE, WELCOME.”

 

For previous photos:
Kenny Hill Sculpture Garden
Chauvin, Louisiana

 

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Profile of author

Patrick Overton – Educator, poet, playwright, author, speaker, workshop leader, nationally recognized community arts developer, rural and small community development specialist. He is the author of the “Faith” poem, “Rebuilding the Front Porch of America” and “The Leaning Tree”.
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