Madeline Carol Gallery
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Ghost Images |
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Ghost
of the Cooper
River |
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In the painting "Ghosts of the Cooper River", the warm colors of the setting sun reveal the ghostly images of the great old Cooper River Bridges. The Cooper River superstructures are superstars of their era and were considered the largest in the world at that time. They remain a monument to man's engineering genius in the 1920's through the 1960's. The two large cantilever bridges connect Charleston's peninsular to Mt. Pleasant. The John P. Grace Memorial Bridge was built in the 1920's at a cost of 6 million dollars, and the Silas Pearman Bridge followed in the 1960's. The watercolor painting recreates in vivid color the moving clouds, stirring the imagination and evoking many memories. The three mile span of the Cooper River Bridges have been compared to a giant roller coaster and have become stuff of legends. The bridges struck fear in the hearts of many and the roller coaster-like ride would prompt adults and children to hide in the floor in the back seat of the car. Police had to discourage teenage dare devils who would speed over the bridges to test their courage and impress their girlfriends. A common practice was hiding in the trunk of the car to avoid the toll tax. On July 1, 1946, the bridge was declared toll free. Today, the Cooper River Bridge run attracts people from around the world. The annual event unleashes thousands of runners and walkers to the challenge. As the two old bridges fade into history, the birth of the new bridge is rising before our eyes! A new day, a new time, ushers in the Ravenel Bridge. The soaring towers of this new bridge stretch to the heavens and provide a breathtaking visual of diamonds in the sky. The new span dwarfs the two old bridges and provides a portal to new beginnings. This visual celebration of progress stands int he honor of the past and promises a bright future! Generations of Charlestonians feel a great loss with the passing of the two great bridges. Their long curvilinear lines have graced our skyline providing a dramatic view of the Charleston harbor for may years. The ghostly memories of their grace and charm will live on in our hearts forever!
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Forever
Folly |
| Located south of Charleston on a barrier island, Folly Beach grew in the 40's and 50's in preeminence as one of the fun beaches of the South. Having large white sand beaches, the island was equipped with wooden ramps which allowed visitors to drive their vehicles down onto the expanse of the beach and park or ride along, observing the sights. The sound and scene of the rolling surf was interrupted by the bathers frolicking in the gentle breakers. The chatter of sunbathers along the sloping beaches could also be heard. In the middle of the island stood the Folly Pavilion and the Folly Pier with an amusement park clustered near it. Here in this part of Folly Island one could experience dining, dancing, bowling, food, games, sunbathing, and just the plain company of fun-loving people enjoying the sights and sounds of Folly Beach. The air was permeated by the smell of hotdogs and was filled with the sound of pinball machines, the excitement of people, and the hum of the rides in the amusement area behind Folly Pier. The amusement park was filled with rides, such as the swings, a Ferris Wheel, and a Tilt-A-Whirl, to name just a few. On a summer evening, the Folly Pier and Pavilion took on a festive look much like the midway at the Coastal Carolina Fair. There was the sound of rides going and voices of riders screaming with delight and fear as the lighted amusements livened up under the summer night shy. And then there was the distinct sound of the bands playing their memorable songs on the pier and the shuffle and chatter of people dancing and talking on the Pavilion that was so accustomed to this weekend ritual during the summer season. This was Folly Beach in its heyday, and this was the old Folly Pier and amusement area that created so many of the memories which now give us only that mental picture of the Folly that once was. |
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College
of Charleston |
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Charleston is a beautiful place to live, with her warm and friendly Southern people and her treasures steeped in history. The College of Charleston is one such treasure. Since its beginnings, it has been a classical backdrop against which the timeless drama of education continues. The painting conveys tot he viewer the timeless life and memories of the College of Charleston. It also reminds the viewer of the possibility of the living spirit in this historic place. Madeline has attempted to recreate the spirit of tradition, study, camaraderie, and young love which went through the portal capturing, in a symbolic way, the gateway as an opening to the future and the past. Inside the portal of Porters Lodge she paints the past, the present and recreates spirits dreaming of a pathway to the future. |
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Time
Whispers |
| Time whispers as the warm Atlantic Ocean breeze carries memories and awakens one's senses. Stand on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and maybe you will catch a glimpse of the past. Close your eyes, feel the breeze, smell the ocean's salt water and feel the warm sand between your toes. These heartwarming memories sooth the soul and transcend time. The ghostly vision of a Folly Beach landmark appears. This landmark, an old house turned restaurant, was swept into eternity September 21, 1989, during Hurricane Hugo. One can hear the laughter of children playing among the shadows of the pilings to avoid the hot sun. Sun worshipers enjoy the sand and surf while lovers stroll hand and hand into the sunset. Many have found solace in the timeless enchantment of such visions. Time whispers to relive the memories for brief moment. Time whispers that these memories remain memories of the heart. |
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