Found Object Art - Bringing Recycling to a Whole New Level

Local artist Bob Farrell takes recycling to a whole new level with his one of a kind found art objects and creations. Bob has been known to make art from discarded wire, old cereal boxes and pieces of old tire, just to name a few things. He rarely let's anything go to waste. The drip paper or drop cloth used to protect his floor or table while making one piece will itself become an integral part of a later piece. Bob's art is imaginative and eclectic and ranges from the absurd to the sublime. I always find something I love when I visit one of Bob's shows and sometimes, when I've got a bit of cash to spare, I like to bring something home. I enjoy supporting Bob's work for two reasons; because he is a local artist and because, for his raw materials, he has elected to use that which other people often overlook or even throw away. Bob is an example of someone who is living his passion and making a difference for the better in our community. We could all learn a lesson from him.

We can localize more than just our food. If you've got to decorate your home why not make your decorating local too? A great way to start is by supporting local artists. Look up your local art association, check out the small independent galleries in your area and.....If you would like to see more of Bob's work, learn about his shows, and how to support local art, please visit Bob's FaceBook Page or check out what Bob and the other BAA artist are doing at the BAA Page. 

Meet the Artists

Just a few of the fabulous pieces and people who participated in yesterday's Red Saturday art show at the Summit Church in Berwick, Maine. Everyone did such a lovely job with setting up their displays and showing their works. Thank you all for sharing your creative genius with the community.  There were so many wonderful artist, I wasn't able to get to spend time with everyone and take photo's.

You can see more at Red Saturday Facebook event page or from the Berwick Arts home page.

Above: Joel K. The elephants were mystical and everything was simply charming. You can find Joel on Facebook and Etsy.  Right Anne Vaughan in her jungle of color. Thanks Anne for sharing your beautiful visions.

Jane Lissner with her inspirational and meditative labyrinths. Thanks Jane for sharing your work with me. I really enjoyed chatting with you about the paths unwinding. 

Bob Farrell with his work "Oh That's Too Bad". Other works by Bob in the foreground.  Bob's works are often sculptural adding depth and texture that works with the image to create a unique artistic experience. You can find Bob on Facebook.

Erin Duquette surrounded by her works. Erin you are beautiful! Thank you for the beautiful works that you bring to life and all the many things you do. You are truly an inspiration to all of us both for your art and for the work that you do to encourage the growth of our local economy and community. 

Patrick Hartnett has his own unique style and a dry whit to match. Thanks Patrick for the fond memories of the Cookie Monster and Alistair Cookie's Monsterpiece Theatre and thank you for sharing your work with us. you can reach Patrick here. 

Isabella Mella's whimsical creations were a favorite of my son and his girlfriend. We loved the owl's. Thanks Isaella for the smiles! you can find Isabella's work on etsy. 

Many many thanks to all of the artists. It was a fabulous experience to share the day with all of you experiencing your art and talking with all of you on subjects far and near.  

Namaste!

Weaving a Web of Community: Local Art, Food and More

Today was the first annual Berwick Arts Association Red Saturday Art Show. More than 20 artists came together in a donated space to provide the community with the opportunity to purchase locally made goods in the form of fine art objects and to support local artists. Several artists donated works and Hubby and I volunteered to run a raffle table to benefit the association. As we manned the raffle table and visited the tables of the various artists we were able to rekindle old friendships, and begin new acquaintances that we hope will develop into future friendships. 

Throughout the day we were amazed by the number of conversations that came around to buy local, local food movements, sustainability and permaculture. We made several new contacts with individuals and groups who are working in this area. It looks like we will be assisting in the planning of some upcoming local food events. We also were able to meet with some folks about  moving forward with an idea for setting up an hour exchange here in the Berwicks and I had one truly inspiring conversation with a young lady about a vision I have for a local needs and skills assessment. It was refreshing and inspiring because of the light and enthusiasm that I could see coming into her eyes as I described my idea. It was so nice to speak with someone who has the youth, enthusiasm and vision to see were we can really go with this type of project. The people I spoke with today  were able to see a future where we have localized our economies and reduced our impact on the planet to a level that is sustainable for the long term.

After the show we retired to the home of a friend who lives just down the street from the building where the show was being held. Ms. T was hosting a pot luck and duck roast featuring a duck that she had recently raised and named Chester. As you can imagine the conversations around local food and sustainability continued in full swing at such a gathering. Everyone was thankful for Chester's sacrifice and also for the delicious Latvian potato tarts that Ms. T made. As we were driving home, I was impressed by just how quickly the day had flown and how what we had really be doing all day was weaving a web of community that we hope will grow closer and more tightly knit as the days go by.