The ever-productive Ed Gulley, farmer, artist and blogger has expanded his already famous collection of “Mr. Blockheads,” made from discarded bricks on his dairy farm. One Mr. Blockhead is already in my study, I took a friend to Bejosh Farm today to see them and he wants to buy one for his farm.
I was happy to see these new works out front of the farmhouse. Ed has carved up some tree trunks to give Mr. Blockhead some mobility.
The other day I wrote about the size of my penis, in keeping with the lofty tone of the presidential debates- not something I ever thought I would write, and this inspired a commentary on the subject by Mr. Gulley. He is not to be outdone. There are few voices as distinctive as Ed, and he is already a fearless writer, the kind I admire. This is not a trend I meant to launch. Ed runs from nothing.
We have zeroed in a theme we love for the Spring Open House at Bedlam Farm, June 25-26. It’s “The Art Of Rural Life,” and we are focusing on art, creativity and especially the art of the country.
Joshua Rockwood will be on hand to talk about his dramatic year, and his farm, West Wind Acres, Lisa Carrino, a wondrous baker and graduate of the Rhode Island School Of Design, will talk about the art of baking and bring some of her amazing cookies and cakes, Maria has five gifted artists showing and selling their art, Jim McRae, our shearer, is coming to shear the sheep, Ken Norman, our farrier will be trimming the hooves of the donkeys and the pony Chloe.
Jen Baker-Porazinski, a much loved local family practitioner, will come to talk about her life as a rural physician, and about she is working about her journey as a doctor. Three poets – Mary Kellogg, Tom Atkins and Jackie Thorne – will be reading from their work.
In rural America, which has been largely abandoned by government bureaucrats and economists, all kinds of art flourishes in all kinds of ways. That is our theme. We want to show it.
Carol Law Conklin will talk about the art of batik, and her wonderful fantasy landscapes, and Rachel Barlow will bring her popular and beautiful water colors, and perhaps paint some while she is here. The famed photographer George Forss will be here to take portraits, and Deb Foster will help co-ordinate events and conduct tours for people who want to see the donkeys and the pony. Chloe, Lulu and Fanny love people and carrots. We expect to have some baby purple Guinea Hens on hand as well by June.
We are committed to the idea of presenting affordable art, of sharing our lives with animals, and of honoring the art of rural life, often overlooked by the urban snoots of the art world. Maria created the art open houses to show her work, but also to focus on especially gifted artists in our area.
Ed Gulley is bringing one of his dairy cows to milk, and also some of his remarkable farm art sculptures. You can read about his work and life on his wonderful blog. I will talk about my work and blog, and our lives here. Creativity is important to us.
We are committed to our open houses, they are gentle and meaningful to us, and to others. We are even looking into ordering some “Bedlam Farm” caps to sell, and perhaps having some local musicians come by. We are calling it a “gentle” open house, returning to its focus and roots. We are both very excited about it and hope to see some of you there.
There will also be some music, some talks, some sheep-herding, some donkey tours. And the wonderful art for sale in Maria’s School Studio. Red will demonstrate his amazing herding skills, Fate will show us the joyous side of running around with sheep.
The Open Houses are free, but this year, we are asking for voluntary $5 donations to help us defray the costs of hosting them. We will have portable toilets on hand, no dogs please. Saturday and Sunday, 11-4 p.m. Details will be posted and updated on Maria’s website.
Red and Scott have a strong connection, Red and I went over to Pompanuck to sit in the sugar house with Scott, already one of my favorite traditions. It was a warm day, Scott and Red have some powerful conversations with one another, I’m not sure I’d be invited without Red. He loves the sugar house as much as I do, and he loves Scott.
Maria has made some of her “Happy Housewife” potholders, the housewives are symbols of one thing, the butterflies – ancient symbols of freedom – another. She just started them today, they’ll be done in a few days. Lots of meaning in these, I think. I’ve scooped her again.
Just before sunrise, the Windowsill Gallery was soft and beautiful, and ready to see the light. Check out the new Bejosh Farm Journal. Ed gets to talk to Shivers the cat, gives the cows some time in the sun, Carol calls him a few names.
