Closure

As things start to wind down, I must admit I have mixed emotions. I have thoroughly enjoyed my two artist talks — they have proven to be very satisfying. But all things must end, and Dust to Apples has just a few weeks left.
On Wednesday, March 18th, we held our reception and panel discussion. It was an evening of Art, Ag, and Celebration, hosted by KUVO Radio's own Abi Clark. She has followed this story throughout the season, and it was an absolute delight having her moderate the conversation between three of the landowners and me. We discussed the project's origin and got to know the landowners better.

Now that the event is over, I have been trying to put into words why I feel so much joy and satisfaction about the closing reception and panel discussion for Dust to Apples. The best way to describe it is that it just felt so right. It completed the story I was telling through the art — but now through the voices of the landowners themselves. It was not about me at all. It was about the bigger idea of reconnecting to the land. Through the landowners' own voices — the farmers and ranchers — we witnessed the real impact of that reconnection.
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Before that evening, I hadn't put together the fact that each of these landowners was a first-generation farmer or rancher. Each had come to the same conclusion I had, only in their own way. Each had left city life and moved to the country to toil as our predecessors had done. Each had rediscovered the rewards of partnering with the land to make something.
My joy grew with every panelist who shared their story. I believe there are no truly original ideas. My ideas for Dust to Apples were not entirely my own — they belonged to the collective unconscious. And that evening verified that belief.

Also, though it may sound a little "woo-woo," the evening felt like confirmation that I am living my purpose here on Earth, through creating artwork and partnering with so many people on this project. I am eternally grateful for Amy Smith's belief in me. She stood by my side, even through the unclear parts, helping me articulate my deeper vision to the bureaucracy and the greater community.
I am also grateful for the many friends and fellow artists who advised and guided my ideas toward something not only clearer, but more successful. Yes, my cup runneth over.
Several people have asked, "What now?" And I can't say for certain. What I can say is that I am confident the things I have done and the lessons I have learned through Dust to Apples, are already guiding me forward.

Thank you to my grandparents for having the courage to take the epic journey they took. Thank you to my Mom, who supported me in so many ways, and passed on their stories. Thank you to Jimena Peck for capturing the experience so beautifully with her photographs. And thank you to my husband, Alex, for enduring all the messes. The fabric hanging from the railing and large metal structures taking up space in the garage — and for witnessing the entire project alongside me.