August 3rd - 08:08

Title: August 3rd - 08:08 Medium: Super-8 film Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Resolution: 2880 x 2160 File Type: H.264 Codec / MP4. Comments: On our stay in Maine we lodged in an old wooden rustic cabin on an active family farm that feeds the people of the community at the local farmers market. You can even leave some cash for veggies at the stand at the entrance of the property. The farms host, Beth, and her helper, Bailey, were outside since dawn wrapping the onions in the field before bringing the fresh goods to town. Ethan and I had woken up earlier at sunrise to enjoy the golden morning light. Walking through the soft blades of grass. Touching the earth with our bare feet soaking up the morning dew between our toes. There were dogs and rabbits running wild on the land. We were looking at what they were growing. Carrots, lettuce, and onions but no blueberries in sight! It was the first time meeting Beth or Bailey since it was a self check in service. I approached them with my cameras and a grateful smile. Ethan and I shared how much we enjoyed being on their land. I asked to make their portrait, without disturbing the flow of their work. No direction, only intention. To let the image reveal itself through the motion in time. I asked to look up at me for a second, which I occasionally did to break the third wall. I shot until the film reel was finished since I was at the end of the roll. Then asked where I may buy some onions to cook on our journey. Even until this day I do all my grocery shopping at the local farmers market. Where the food comes to the stall. Gratitude for the labor and all the hands that deliver us our food. From the ground then onto our kitchen tables. It really is a blessing how it all comes through. We often forget that abundance is grown from a single fruit that bears 100 seeds. With that we can grow 1000 trees. So why don't we plant every seed from the food that we eat? What if we did, will there be anyone left hungry? I always imagined a city where all the sidewalks were lined with food that you can pick and eat. Berries, lettuces, trees and more that yield food. Instead of empty squares of concrete, what if we did our grocery shopping by walking through different neighborhoods that plant different types of food? Through out different seasons in local climates like our bellies were originally adapted to do. I often think of this when I go on my long walks throughout different cities. Even grocery stores that grow their own foods on the roofs of their commercial space! Although, I have to admit California you can find citrus groves, or pomegranates grown on any given street. Possible? Perhaps one day. But for now, it's the farmers we need to acknowledge. Because without them we would not have food on our plates, or in our bellies. It really does make me wonder. Why don't public schools teach us how to grow food, yet, teach us how to learn complicated algebraic questions we may use only once for a single test, unless we become a rocket scientist? Where are the skills we use for the rest of our lives. To thrive, and not just survive!