Illustration of the Imagination

Yesterday I went to this amazing exhibit of masks at Endicott College’s art center. Masks is almost a misnomer, because some of these were full-body costumes. I have a thing for masks and it was great to see them designed so creatively. I recognized Baba Yaga before reading the sign, not because she looks like Baba Yaga, but because she looks like I would have made Baba Yaga look. I also really Cassandra. The mask was simple in design but evoked a mood that reminded me of Heaney’s poem: “no such thing as innocent bystanding.” Bacchus and The Morrigan were other favorites of mine, both looking just as I’d imagined those gods would look.

You can read more about the mask-makers here. Admission is free and the exhibit runs through June 9.

Illustration of the Imagination

Link goes to my Picasa photo album.

Mystic River

On such a beautiful Spring day I’ve found myself humming a very wintry tune. I can hear children’s voices singing it–me and my classmates, probably elementary school or earlier–our voices rising as we sang about the “white and drifted snoooo-oh!”

I didn’t know Lydia Maria Child wrote that song, nor did I know she was from Medford. Back then I most likely didn’t know Medford existed, it being roughly one hundred miles east of where I was singing, but now Medford is somewhat local to me, as is the Mystic River where I found the Condon Shell and its tribute to Child.

The paths along the river were busy when I was there, full of people and their dogs. There was evidence of the obligatory teenaged drinking (and why do they never pick up their trash?), but even more evidence that this was a place that everyone shared. Lyrics were chalked on the sidewalk along with one very memorable “warning, dead raccoon” complete with arrows pointing me at said raccoon. The Condon Shell itself is colorfully painted and in wonderful shape, even with the winter detritus of dried flowers and frozen berries surrounding it. And, because this is New England, the geese set sail for any person they catch looking at them, hoping for a treat.

It was a beautiful day.

Condon Shell, Mystic River

Shawsheen Cemetery

Shawsheen Cemetery