Stories From The Snap Shack Issue #4

Stories From The Snap Shack. Issue 4 (June 12th 2022)

"That's a lot of work"

Yesterday, a visiting uncle gazed upon our garden's vegetable plot for the first time -- 23 raised beds in all -- shook his head and softly commented, "a lot of work".  

And indeed it is. For our garden's caretaker, my husband Steve, the work is equal parts heartbreaking (flood damage), humbling (hungry chipmunks), creative (winter plot-planning), thrilling (Spring seedlings) and yes backbreaking...in almost everything else that this flood-inclined, freeze-prone, north-eastern section of earth demands. 

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For me this has been a frustrating week. Imperfect conditions, right lenses at wrong time, setting misfires, computer malfunctions, creative blocks. A lot of "crappy art". And so I had begun to leave the camera at home...to sulk.

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When I shared our uncle's comment, Steve brushed them away. He has never lost the thrill of life-making, no matter the crop failures, no matter the work. Because in this challenged landscape Steve considers himself lucky. He gets to 'farm' without regard to basic sustenance. In the moment of his disregard, I recognized Steve as an artist. He works hard for the beauty and challenge of creation. 

And so this photographer, this artist reflected. And got out my camera to "just keep working" because no matter what the endeavor, it is the work that is the art. 

Be well, be artful this week. 

This blog is produced from my Piermont studio, known by my inner circle as Kate's 'Snap Shack'. Enjoy and share with others in your inner circle.