The Ochard
In contrast to “Land Matters”, “The Orchard” collection is very much about where I am
now, the area I live in, the family dynamics and the people around me.
Getting there, as with my own path… definitely an adventure!
I was so excited to be invited to the orchard but, in typical fashion of the micro-climate
I live in, ideal for apple growing but not so much for driving, the weather on that
fabulous autumn day started out with a dense, thick fog, so much that I actually had to
pull over on the road to wait it out for a few minutes. But the drive was certainly worth
it.
T&K Ferri Orchards are located in Clarksburg, not far from Collingwood, and is owned
and operated by this amazing husband and wife team who are hands-on in the daily
operations of the orchard. They take great pride in the apples they grow, the way
they carefully cultivate and collect the fruit by hand and they value the amazing
relationship with the people who work for them.
What truly peaked my interest was the interaction of the people on the farm. Many of
the workers came to this small town from all over the world and brought a wealth of
knowledge, stories and experiences that enrich the family culture so prevalent on the
orchard.
Raised in an immigrant family, I instantly connected owners and the workers alike.
The stories and experiences are different yet, in some ways, very similar. Stories I
could easily relate to, but the connections and emotions I experienced are what gave
direction to the artwork. I admire these people, their determination, their passion, their
work ethics and the pride which is so colourfully threaded into the dynamics of this
newly created family unit.
While the setting, the people and the weather definitely influenced the colour and
texture of the paintings, what was so fascinating to me was the use of modern
technology while preserving traditional techniques which are so important in the
cultivation of great products. I believe, somehow, this also had a strong influence on
the artwork.
I consider myself very lucky to be invited to places like this. I am constantly and
pleasantly surprised to meet people who are as interested in my work as I am
interested in theirs; people who will take valuable time out to talk to me about the skills
and techniques, the challenges and the victories, the mundane and the exceptional.
My paintings would not feel true and honest without them.