Traverse the long winding roads of Houston Texas in a southeastern sway long enough and you will end up in a small backwater of a town called Alvin. This town has was originally nothing more than a few ranches until the Santa Fe railroad came along and it expanded itself into a proper village of sleepy southerners. Not much would change in this town for years.
Houston, Alvin's neighbor 30 miles to the north is a gluttonous beast. Houston has for many years been devouring every small town that has dared to cross its path. They have put a loop around Houston and when that did not help they built a beltway, yet Houston is busting out of these restrictions. It will not be happy until it stretches from Mexico to Louisiana.
For the time being Alvin is still alive. We do not know how much time it has left before urban sprawl claims it as yet another victim but for now it is still a safe haven from the traffic noise and pollution of its overgrown neighbor.
Houston, Alvin's neighbor 30 miles to the north is a gluttonous beast. Houston has for many years been devouring every small town that has dared to cross its path. They have put a loop around Houston and when that did not help they built a beltway, yet Houston is busting out of these restrictions. It will not be happy until it stretches from Mexico to Louisiana.
For the time being Alvin is still alive. We do not know how much time it has left before urban sprawl claims it as yet another victim but for now it is still a safe haven from the traffic noise and pollution of its overgrown neighbor.
If you where to spend the afternoon in Alvin, you would surely come across some interesting people. Timothy Paul Gardner being one of the most unique characters to call this oasis of heat and concrete home.
Recently Timothy has been creating other worldly dioramas. I spoke with him about these bizarre recreations of home and war.
Recently Timothy has been creating other worldly dioramas. I spoke with him about these bizarre recreations of home and war.
What was your inspiration to create these works?
To tell u the truth I just thought it would be fun. I wanted to do more with them but when I stopped at the point I did I Liked how simple they where.
How did you decide the materials that you would use?
I love getting things that are already made and making them look how I think and feel that they should look. In my mind this is the way I envisioned battles with our army toys growing up. So it really just took me back to a awesome time in our life's that I shared with my brother.
To tell u the truth I just thought it would be fun. I wanted to do more with them but when I stopped at the point I did I Liked how simple they where.
How did you decide the materials that you would use?
I love getting things that are already made and making them look how I think and feel that they should look. In my mind this is the way I envisioned battles with our army toys growing up. So it really just took me back to a awesome time in our life's that I shared with my brother.
How do the sculptural elements and painted plains play off of each other? I don't know how well they play off of each other to most people but to me it's perfect. I really just think how every single color plays off of each other. The best part of it to me is the army guy in the back. He is torn up and bloody but his face looks at peace with the way he led his life and the way he died. I hope I feel like him when I die also. So I guess he really brings the whole thing together for me. |
Has the landscape you live in and are surrounded by played a part in the scenes you create?
I think my wife has helped me realize I can create and make awesome things so now I do. Before I met her I thought I was just full of destruction and hate. Now I know I can love, be at peace, create and be myself. So finding her is what made me come to truth with whom I am and now I can do anything.
I think my wife has helped me realize I can create and make awesome things so now I do. Before I met her I thought I was just full of destruction and hate. Now I know I can love, be at peace, create and be myself. So finding her is what made me come to truth with whom I am and now I can do anything.