Anyone who walks the shore along Little Dume has seen them. Depending on the tide, the winds, or the urge for a kid to knock ‘em down with a kayak paddle or a baseball bat, they may stand for days at a time. Like little temples they stand, equidistant apart among the many boulders and rocks at their base. These “rock sculptures” demand one’s attention.
On this particular Memorial Day, the energy is peaking. Later the full moon will rise at midnight but for now, a couple of hundred yards out, a quiet swell builds. Folks are gloriously happy in their swim and wet suits in the water. The little temples seem to bless them with their somewhat monolithic presence. Some believe the little temples encourage ample surf.
It’s a free look, art from nature not for sale, a peek at the mysteries of architectural laws, a meditation for the one who builds them.
I’d never seen “Mr. P.” actually build the sculptures until this particular day. He picks up a rock and carries it to an ordained place on the sand. Like most endeavors, and certainly artistic ones, this artist experiments with his medium— hoisting and placing rocks of different sizes, weights, and shapes. He adeptly places one onto another, the largest at the base, the smallest last—on top. “Mr. P.” moves slowly but deliberately like an experienced stonemason. In harmony, the sculpture does not succumb to gravity, lose balance, or topple over.
Three little girls come scrambling down the boulders to the beach. One carries a soccer ball. It is a long way from the boulders to the sand for these little girls and “Mr. P.’ gallantly offers a hand. They thank him and together approach the little temple. One of the girls plucks the top rock from the sculpture. He looks at me and knowingly smiles. THIS HAPPENS! By the time our gazes return to the sculpture, the little girl has replaced the stone. By now, she and the others are running down the beach kicking the soccer ball in front of them.
The little temples fascinate, and are there for all to see. I was sorry I did not have my camera, but went back the next day. Only two were left.
