Meet an Original Exquisite Gardener : Jeff Hvid

Jeff Hvid was there when it all began in 2009, and has been a solid contributing member ever since. I call Jeff the Thoreau of Marin County, California, because he loves the natural world here more than anybody.

For 30 years or so Jeff has been , on his own time, with no recognition, been cleaning the creeksides and shorelines of this County. He started piling up the stuff he dragged up the hills onto the road into "art" because he didn't want folks adding their own junk to the pile before he could get back to pick it up.

I have followed Jeff down to creek bottoms and seen his installations of old wood and shoes etc., artfully arranged around the often- seen graffiti at bridges and overpasses here in the County. It was like encountering a magical place where the junk just got up and arranged itself into art. Before I saw these, I don't think anybody else had.

Jeff knows the flowers, plants, birds and animals here like nobody. To hear his stories of seeing a mama otter swimming with her kits in the creek, while above on the sidewalks people stroll on unaware is mesmerizing. I have seen a hidden world right here in our County by hanging out with Jeff.

Jeff has been making purposeful art with the things he finds for quite a few years now, and they are amazing pieces, left as much as possible as is, with some gentle nudging by Jeff. These are artworks of beauty and respect, and truly original in a way that few can claim. His work can be seen at the Fairfax , CA. gallery, The Mine. ( www.gallerymine.com )

Below is a typical Jeff Hvid piece.It is made from a shore-scavenged boat seat part, with discarded Bic lighters that Jeff cleans up after the fisherman who use them leave.They are wired onto the wood frame with scavenged wire, and this piece shines like a stained glass window in the light. There is much Museum shown "fine art" that aspires to this level of respect for materials and social good at the same time, but few are as unself- conscious as this piece.