Neighborhood Walkabout Reveals Yard Art in Abundance
 

As photographers, we tend to look far from home to find the next really interesting subject to feed our picture addiction. Current events are driving us to be more creative with taking pictures in our interior environment. But, of late, I have been taking my camera on my neighborhood walks. I have been pleasantly surprised at what I have seen when I take the time to use my photographer's eye rather than just walking about to feel the freedom of getting out of the house.

THE KINGDOM OF CATS

My walkabouts frequently bring me into contact with the local feral cat population. Cats are not uncommon, but since the slow down of human activity, they are more imperial than usual. Here are two of the local cat-lords questioning my presence on their turf (my neighbors driveway to be specific).

Cat MeetingTwo of the local feral cats that rule my neighborhood. They question my intrusion on their turf. To make matters clear that the cats rule the neighborhood, a local human has put out this sign.

Cat CrossingMore evidence that the local feral cats are in charge of the neighborhood. YARD ART

Having successfully negotiated my passage past the cat-lords, I became entranced by the local yard art. My neighborhood is a mix of the relatively old and new. By relatively old, I mean post WWII. It is not uncommon to see a one-story house on cinderblocks next to a new-build with the latest hurricane hardening construction. No onerous zoning regulations and no homeowners association fees means the neighborhood has its own distinct mix of styles. The yard art reflects that eclectic environment.

TRADITIONAL

Let's begin with some traditional items. St. Francis is not an uncommon sight to many.

St. Francis of the YardYard art of Port Tampa, FL

Nor is this statue of Mary. Although she could use an update on her paint.

Mary in the YardStatue of Mary in a yard.

Of course the required guardian lion is always a picture moment.

Guardian of the DrivewayLion statue guarding the driveway of a neighbor.

WHIMSICAL

Looking at some more whimsical yard art shows some smiling flower pots.

Smile!Painted flower pots bringing a smile to the passer-by. And some mask wearing gnomes. Apparently social distancing is a gnome thing.

Masked GnomesNotice the face masks on the gnome and the bear. Social distancing applies to gnomes as well as us!

Some yard art is a little more nuanced in its whimsy. Note the dog statue behind this pretty flower pot.

Flower Pot and PoochThe "dog" in the background is a statue, not an actual territory marker!

MORE ESOTERIC

Some of the yard art is clearly locally produced and makes you pause in your perambulations. Here is some work that appears to be from a local artist.

Home Made Yard ArtLocal art objects in a yard for the enjoyment of passers by.

On the other hand, some yard art appears to reflect a more "what can I do with this?" aesthetic.

This parakeet figurine has collected some friend to keep it company.

Parrot CageA yard display of a parrot cage and friends.

When you need a place for the kids to play, but now they are grown up.

Yard ToysA collection of children's toys as a yard display.

Or maybe you need to defend your casa from dragons.

St. George and His FriendsA statue of St. George with flanking friends.

NATURAL BEAUTY

Many of my neighbors have taken the time to cultivate some beautiful flowers. So, here are two pictures to just enjoy.

Pretty FlowersJust some pretty flowers.

I like the layered look I got in this photo.

Framed FlowerJust a local bloom framed by the greenery. ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY

Given to unregulated nature of my neighborhood, it has a diverse selection of architecture. Here are a few examples.

The UMC Church steeple.

Church SteepleThe local UMC church spire.

And a lovely front porch.

Front PorchJust a pretty front porch in the local neighborhood.

THE CAT WATCHER

Of course cats are not the only wildlife in my neighborhood. Here is a bird on a wire to keep watch on the cats.

Bird on a WireBird overlooking the local neighborhood.

CONCLUSION

I hope you enjoyed the pictures of my neighborhood. I strongly encourage you to get out and enjoy your own area. You may be pleasantly surprised!