NEWS
Winter has taken over the Valley and I have shifted my attention to being productive indoors: I am focused on completing my book dummy (Farming the Valley) and I am preparing to attend FotoFest, in Houston, in March. What is FotoFest, some will ask? It is a gathering of photographers, curators, gallery owners, publishers, etc. It is an opportunity to share work, ideas and to network. Attendees come from all corners of the world, it’s quite the event and I’m excited. New people to meet, old friends to say hello to, and an abundance of photos to see for the first time.
Harvesting Rhubarb
Grey and brown dominate the Valley at this time of year, Winter. Fields are in a variety of states: some are waterlogged, some are covered with leeks or kale, some with winter wheat or rye, while others are flooded from the ever-present rains, with temporary drainage ditches snaking their way across the landscape. Lambing season is well underway, soon to be joined by baby goats (kids) bleating. An exciting time for both the farmer and me.
After nearly 4 years of focusing primarily on crops I am now directing my attention towards livestock and the husbandry involved. I’m excited. So much to see and so much to learn. For this chapter I am expanding my range out of Skagit Valley. And, if anyone knows of unique livestock being raised on their farm or in their “neighborhood” that you think I might be interested in, I would be delighted to hear about it. (It doesn’t need to be in my “neighborhood”.)
Much has happened since I last wrote, Spring and Summer have come and gone, and Fall harvest is well underway. My good fortune continues as farmers continue to invite me into their fields and barns to document their work, from hay bales to bushels of corn, heads of cabbage and cauliflower, baby goats and hoof trimming for cows and sheep. And much more. Going forward into the Winter season attention is being given to cold weather crops, more cabbage, carrots and leeks, pumpkins, squash, and spinach. Moving the livestock towards the barns and planting some crops for Spring harvest. The work never ends for farmers. Nor my interest.
LA CONNER ARTS ALIVE Skgit Valley Farms exhibition
Recently I had my first exhibition, here in the Valley, of my farmer work and it was a tremendous success. Folks came from around the Valley, including some of the farmers. Wonderful conversations took place as “neighbors” were able to see up close the tasks and crops they normally drive by on any given day. It was an opportunity to see and learn about the work that goes into growing their food.
I have slowly begun to roll this work out into the exhibition world with pleasant success. In May I was pleased to have three images included in a traveling exhibition that began at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR and honored that they chose to purchase one of the images for their permanent collection. The exhibition was about Sustainable Food.
Changing subjects, I want to give a shoutout to Bremner Benedict who has done an amazing job with my website. She has been great to work with!!! A good teammate. If you are interested in working with Bremner, email her at: contactbremner@gmail.com