Abundance: Farm Fresh Strawberries
Oil on Canvas 12 × 12
The Story of Abundance | Fresh Farm-Picked Strawberries
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I shuffled through the hilled rows, hands and knees sinking into the earth at the regenerative farm in Concord, Massachusetts. My Saturday mornings as a farmer-in-training were equal parts meditation and workout—an unintentional yoga class featuring a seamless flow between "cat" and "cow" as I adjusted my back.
Around me, a few fellow harvesters worked in contented silence, the only sounds being the occasional plunk of ripe berries into cardboard pints. Low-lying air hung thick with the heady perfume of strawberries, practically whispering, We’re ready… take us home. And take them home, I did—well, some of them.
The soil beneath my knees wasn’t just dirt; it was a living, breathing testament to regenerative farming, teeming with vitality. I wasn’t just a volunteer; I was a steward of the land—an unpaid one, but a steward nonetheless. And with each shift, I faced an impossible dilemma: How many should I eat now? How many should I share (do I have to share)? And can I justify keeping them all in the name of artistic inspiration?
Spoiler alert: the strawberries rarely made it past the farm gate.
My Oil Painting Process
My admiration of the nuances of vibrant reds was only surpassed by my fascination with the spaces nestled between the berries. In these delicate interstices, one berry met another, casting gentle shadows, that of the composition revealed itself. Crafted around 2005, this painting continues to evoke joy within me even today, hanging in my kitchen.
Tips for Finding Fresh Strawberries in Maine
Strawberries specifically are ready to be picked around mid-June. It is a short season up here, but worth the taste testing! Here are a few of my favorite farmers’ markets. Another resource to explore is the Maine Organics Farmer’s and Gardener’s Association.
Freeport’s Farmer’s Market - small, growing, and right in the walking, outlet town of Freeport
Portland Farmers Market - lots of variety, sprawling in a city park with unique makers as well
Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Farmer’s Market at Crystal Spring Farm (or at Fort Andross in the winter) I love the local community vibe of Crystal Spring and the winter market is a gem to explore on a Saturday morning.
