If it wasn't for the glacier, we wouldn't have Wisconsin Dells. A little history: 15,000 years ago, when the glacier began to soften, there was a lake in western WI that was about the size of Rhode Island. The ice dam broke, 1500 sq. miles of water rushed out in a very short time. Scientists estimate the water flowed at 40 million gallons a second, enough to fill a basketball arena in 10 seconds (don't ask how they figured that out)!
The power of the water carved out the Wisconsin River and the Dells, the word taken from the French 'dalles', a fast stream in a narrow canyon. Soon after, the Potawotomi and Winnebago tribes arrived. We all know what happened to them. Fast forward to Byron Kilbourn, one of the founding fathers of Milwaukee, who built a railroad to the Dells (the Dells were originally called Kilbourn City) and made travel there possible. The Dells owe a lot of its popularity to a photographer named H. H. Bennett, who, after being injured during the Civil War and not able to do woodworking any longer, started taking pictures of the Dells. Our Museum of Wisconsin Art had an exhibition of his photographs and other recent photographers, most of whom are descendants of those tribes.
I have been to the Dells several times, but only once to a water park. I'm only a lazy river girl. I'm much more passionate about the history of the place and the natural beauty. Since I used my only idea yesterday for the CAS challenge, I thought I'd focus on water and the adventure. Can you imagine what those early peoples thought of such a magnificent place? Carla sent me some pull- off tops from a peanut butter product and that is what I used for the largest circle. Alcohol inks really worked well on it (thanks, Carla). The other circles were from another ai background and a shaving cream background. I doodled a bunch of orbs (not circles, no such thing in Zentangle) to represent bubbles, done in gel and Micron pens. The base is a gel print with a nautilus stencil. The little camera is in honor of HH Bennett. I am so grateful he couldn't be a woodworker and turned to photography. His shop is still there as a museum. Thanks for reading, I know it's a lot.
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 GMT Views: 294
Favorited:3
Registered: August 21, 2007 Location: Wayland MA Posts: 105130
Tue, Jul 28, 2020 @ 11:07 AM
All of the above, and Awesome as well!!!
------------------------------ Anne HarmonFS154, QFTD58, PROUD FAN CLUB MEMBER (photo of our Great Granddaughter Elise, just 6 months old) and me, even older.
Registered: February 19, 2011 Location: Fullerton, CA Posts: 15043
Tue, Jul 28, 2020 @ 11:14 AM
Love this card (the background and orbs are all stunning) and the wonderful history lesson you provided. I love history too so your story was a big bonus -- a beautiful card to view while pondering life, creation and water. Fabulous!
Registered: August 15, 2007 Location: Twin Cities MN Posts: 50526
Tue, Jul 28, 2020 @ 3:46 PM
Amazing card..all the different techniques give this a very watery feel which is very cool and fits well with the water park theme. Thanks for the history of the Dells...we never vacationed there but one of our favorite cheese shops was an annual stop (Dells Cheese) on our way to see my Grandma every year. We even ordered our super sharp cheddar from them throughout the year.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Proud Fan Club Member Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: April 18, 2011 Location: Melbourne, Aus Posts: 51844
Tue, Jul 28, 2020 @ 10:25 PM
Wow Jean Bean Dancing Queen, I just got lost down a rabbit hole for the past 40 minutes reading the history of the Potawotomi and Winnebago tribes. Thank you for sharing this story and your fabulous card. Both are great.
------------------------------ Susie
Please don't take your organs to heaven - heaven knows we need them here.
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 82774
Wed, Jul 29, 2020 @ 4:05 AM
Wow, I learned a lot reading your post, Jean. Thanks for all that information. Your orbs and backgrounds, and special treasures are all wonderfully combined. Super cool and artsy card sure to be treasured. Hugz
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)!DRS Designs-DT, Punchkateerforever, Dirty Dozen Alumni
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni SCS Gallery Moderator Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 131637
Wed, Jul 29, 2020 @ 7:36 AM
This really caught my eye in the gallery homepage last night. Glad to have time today to circle back today and ready it with more leisure. How interesting. Your watery background with the doodling on the print is spectacular, and the circles are a great design element.
Registered: January 13, 2010 Location: in a constant state of confusion. Posts: 3317
Wed, Jul 29, 2020 @ 8:22 AM
Thanks for the history lesson. Always interesting. My parents honeymooned in Wisconsin Dells back in the mid-50's and talked of it's beauty often. Now to the card: love your tribute to Bennett and your bg finishes are awesome.