Tube-in’

Late winter is asserting itself this week and it’s cold and rainy again … the sort of weather that doesn’t lend itself to getting-on-the-train-and-slogging-t0-and-from-work good feelings (although I loooove my job!) but instead makes me want to stay in and watch TV all day. Well, not gonna happen … but, I can watch YouTube videos on my iPhone while on the train. So, using the keyword ‘succulents’ I came across this diverse group of vids with a succulent edge. If it’s blustery out, like here, and you’re able to stay in, pull your Snuggie tight and enjoy … just know that I’m really jealous!

This first video features Debra Lee Baldwin, of RR’s favorite book and all-time most popular post (click here), putting together a simple succulent container garden. Produced by Timber Press, publishers of ‘Succulent Container Gardens’, it’s a concise look at the process. I saw Debra the last time she visited the HOME section at The Times but was too star-struck to say hi; she seems really nice here, so next time …

A video slideshow of container gardens and vertical installations of our fave plants, by Planted Art, is full of inspirational imagery. What I enjoy about the work of PA’s Michael Brunt and Patrick Marston here is that it’s a bit looser — wild-and-woolier — than other examples of similar work out there. Less uptight and more intuitive, these pieces have a succulents-at-play look to them.

With soft jazz tinkling in the background, YouTube artist knottyboy, takes us through the steps involved in painting a surreal saguaro woman mask. Titled ‘Tranquila’, or ‘Calm’ in Spanish, it would make a nice piece of garden sculpture. I like this artist’s style and can see myself doing something similar at some point. In my spare time.

This next video made me a bit insane, as it has to do with origami. I’m both attracted to (all those precise, tiny folds!) and repelled (all those precise, tiny folds!) by the paper-folding craft … there’s an insidious math-y element to origami, too, that just rubs me the wrong way. Anyway, this project isn’t as obsessive as some, but I still couldn’t wait for it to be over. But, maybe you’ll like it.

Lastly, I share with you an enigmatic short art film titled ‘Succulents’ … I’m not entirely sure why the filmmakers bestowed this title, as the film seems to deal with a longing for escape, relationship dissatisfaction and possibly messy daddy-daughter long-range trucking experiences. Or, at least that’s what I got out of the piece, that clocks in at a merciful 5 minutes. There are succulents dressing the set, but are they really symbolic of … something? I got nuthin’ …

It’s supposed to rain intermittently the rest of the week, and into the weekend … I wonder what keyword to explore next …?