Until two years ago the Esterly farm had been a cattle ranch. During
my residency I was anemic and awarded the best beef I could remember consuming.
I made landscape art with forest debris. I learned about poison oak and my
extreme allergic reaction – again. I feed chickens and stole their eggs. I
picked nettles and I was taught how to tie-dye. I lived cheap, I downsized and I traveled out of state every month mapping my next move. I engaged with a steady stream
of visitors and my 5 year old neighbor was generous in sharing her steady
stream of art. I made a labyrinth and hung cloth hummingbirds in a tree. I explored
how food and physical connection nurtured a slow growing trust with an unattended horse, lama and donkey. The week before
I left I rode Lucy the horse bare back with friends beside me. My 15 year old
neighbor and I spearheaded a simple mural painting on the barn doors. Additional
creative contributions by other artists emerged as plants were put in place by
farmers.
What did I learn during this time? Well, you know the phrase
“you can chose your friends but not your family?” Community is both. By the time I left I was ready and reluctant.
