Fertile Ground

In addition to pumpkins and apples, changing leaves and crisp temperatures, a much-anticipated harbinger of fall in central Vermont is the beloved annual Art at the Kent exhibition in Calais. If you aren’t familiar with it, follow this link to acquaint yourself with the curators who accomplish this massive feat each fall, the distinctive venue which is as much a part of the show as the art itself, and specifics about this year’s exhibit, “Traces”.

Sabrina Fadial

Milkweed    ©2018 Sabrina Fadial, Steel and gold leaf

I took very few photos when I visited last week, so this post is not a virtual tour. However, I can’t encourage you more strongly to go see for yourself; think of it as a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow — a beautiful drive through a lovely part of the world, arriving at a unique treasure of an exhibition.

Ed O'Keeffe

MButi Graffiti    ©2017 Ed O’Keeffe, Hand dyed wool

What I keep thinking about in hindsight is the artists who had work in multiple mediums on display. I found it enlightening that the curators chose to represent the breadth of their practices as opposed to showing only pieces from a single discipline. Creative ground is fertile. As a viewer, I enjoy considering the potential expansion of an artist’s thought processes as one medium feeds another. Or perhaps, that’s not the case. It’s entirely possible that the only way to say what needed to be said was via another language. Either way, it added to my experience to see the variety.

Rona Lee Cohen

Large Yellow Table with Confection    ©2021 Rona Lee Cohen, Oil on paper

Many of us branch out in our work, for any number of reasons. Cross-pollination deepens our discoveries, ultimately enriching both our experiences in the studio and our results. Diversification gives us more substance to draw from in future work.

Marcie Scudder

Mon Hiver    ©2022 Marcie Scudder, Inkjet print on premium double-sided matte paper, hand sewn

The path from Point A to Point B is often circuitous, inconsistent and complex, but it usually ends up being well-worth the ride. Pay The Kent a visit; I’m sure you will agree.

H. Keith Wagner

Trio of Scar, Harrow & Untitled    © 2020-2022, H. Keith Wagner, Reclaimed steel

My friend and sculptural knitter Leslie Roth introduced me to Scottish knitwear designer Kate Davies a number of years ago. I have since knitted from Davies’ patterns and also read and been moved enough to write about her book Handywoman.  While I’m not a regular follower of her blog, I dip into it from time to time, always enjoying what I find there. Her recent post “September Feeling” is one to share…its sentiment is as lovely as the accompanying photographs. If you feel a strong sense of connection to the place you call home, I think you will be able to relate.

 

6 thoughts on “Fertile Ground

  1. Kate

    Autumn is the best, What a lovely post by you and by Ms. Davies. I have knit many of her hats and have a sweater kit waiting patiently. As always you inspire me, Ms. Fram. ❤️

    1. ehwfram Post author

      Thank you. That inspiration thing goes both ways. How fun to have a knitting project waiting in the wings. I still have to line one up for the cold evenings ahead.

  2. Adrianna

    We were just talking about this exhibit the other day and I encouraged Sadie to take her friend when they were looking for something to do/adventure. I may take my own advice based on this sharing. Always appreciate the insight, guideposts, reminders and beauty you provide weekly. Always grateful…

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