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A Walk in Red
By Emily Jalinsky
After hours in the studio I needed some fresh, cool air.
The red hues all around were speaking to me. So, I decided to make my walk a study in reds — being aware of the color and letting it soak in.
The annual “Tree Huggers” project had already been installed downtown. This community project is still one of my favorite things about Iowa City. I loved this one in particular because the open knitting actually brought out the qualities of the bark, allowing the elements to be in conjunction with one another.
I ventured into the courtyard of the Sciences Library, which is a very pleasant spot to rest downtown.
I wandered around until I came upon another favorite spot. Is there anyone else that loves walking on the playground area in the Ped Mall? Walking across the bouncy surface is a perfect exercise in mindful, meditative walking. When it’s not being used, I walk across the surface a little slower and take in the buoyancy of my steps. On this day I fixed my gaze lightly on the red circle as I walked across.
You might notice this picture doesn’t have red in it. These small, circular sections strung along the trunk had a whimsical quality I couldn’t resist. I thought it was the perfect adornment to go along with the knitted stripes wrapped around the trunk. Really, I can’t get enough of the “Tree Huggers” — they are all wonderful!
Lastly, while heading back to the studio I spent time in the little alcoves of the churches nearby. I sat next to this fiery tree for awhile, taking in the gradual shift in color and vibrancy. I sat still while others walked about hurriedly. I too, have a fast pace when I have a destination in mind, but in that moment I was glad to be without a fixed route, allowing myself to wander, sit, and gather these sensations.
All my best,
Emily
