On the first Friday of each month, Vashon folk and a carload or two of intrepid off-islanders descend upon our small town to take in the latest art offerings. And this month, my friend Natalie, owner of Cafe Luna, was kind enough to grant me a wall or two in her establishment for a photography show. Was the Vashon art world abuzz? Did the viewing lines reach around the block? Were critics tearing up (in a good way) over the composition, color and subject matter? Did the Seattle Art Museum pick up a few pieces for their permanent collection? Uh, well no, but let me just say, I live on small island and all attendees were kind and supportive. And even more importantly, I had fun. Selling four out of seven on the first night, didn’t hurt either. A big thanks to all dropped by online and off.
My theme was farm to photo, which I explain below. (Cue the hoedown music.)
Artist’s Statement
Drawn to color, light and bright shiny things, Tom asserts he may have been a crow in an earlier life. Add to that his interest in gardening and farming, and his penchant for cooking, and you have the basis for his photography.
Especially inspired by things that look good enough to eat, Tom takes a look at what he grows, bakes and makes, and shares the visual harvest and meal with the viewer. He sees the farm stand as a veritable art gallery, and the kitchen counter as a canvas with which to create.
Simple delights abound in the garden, on the plate, and most often from the heart. According to Tom, “Beauty is easy to find, especially when you take time to look up.”
One man, two dogs, four acres, an old farmhouse, countless projects and a desire to grow, cook and share great food, that’s Tom’s world.
So if you happen to be on Vashon Island in October, drop by Cafe Luna, order a tall drip or green tea, and check out my photography. (No waiting…at this time.)
Tom, your pictures are stunning. You are very creative – I envy you! I would see a cardboard box with 6 peaches but your picture is so much more than that. I see it in your pictures but I don’t seem to see it in everyday life. Keep on creating with the camera, the garden and the stove.
Thank you Margaret, your kind words are the cherry on the sundae, or in this case the sugar on the pie.
Clever Clogs. Pumpkin soup would have been my favourite but “Big Hips”, well, what can I say? What variety of rose is that? Any recipe fave for them? BTW I am grateful for the jam making tip, the plum blossoms are just starting to fall. My jam has always been a tad ho-hum….Give the four legged children a tickle behind the ears for me. J
Jacqui, Boz and Gracie thank you for the fine hello, and may I thank you for the morning’s first chuckle. Sounds like spring is well under way Down Under, as summer is still hanging around here with jaunty swagger we welcome whole-heartedly. Yesterday seemed perfect, crystal-clear skies, light breeze and temperatures in the high seventies (F). The rose hips are from a Rosa Rugosa, variety ‘Fru Dagmar Hastrup’ but all Rosa Rugosas have “big hips” and proudly at that. Cheers!
I just love your photos–you have a real knack with a camera. And to see the beauty in the ordinary–now that’s talent!
Thank you Sue, I really love it when something catches my eye and says, “Hey, look here, I may be ordinary, but heck, I’m pretty, too.” 😉
Those pictures look, um, good enough to eat! So sorry I missed the opening but I will definitely take in the show as soon as I get back!
Thanks Miss Lisa, look forward to catching up upon your return!
Tom your photos are gorgeous! What a lovely opportunity for you to share your talent and with such supportive people. All the photos look scrumptious!
Thanks Ina! Speaking of lovely, supportive people…
Tom, they are beautiful (like you!)
Dare I say, I’d love to purchase one for my new abode. What are the chances?
When are you coming East? I miss you. xoxoxoxoxo
Miffy a visit is long overdue, perhaps this winter I’ll head south for a few days. And yes, on the first question.
Plum jam girl says congratulations!
Plum jam indeed, loved your Green gage jam of summer past.
Your photos are always colourful (that’s the Canadian in me spelling) thoughtful and so well composed. Often they rival your writing for which should get the most accolades. Cafe Luna is fortunate to show them. Tell them some anonymous responder said so! Have you considered scale? With the detail you’ve captured these would be awesome as very large prints or canvases. Oh, what they can do with digital imagery now!
Mike you made my morning, that’s for sure. Thank you for the kind words and idea to go large. I’ll check it out.
So happy for your show; I can’t wait to get up town and see them up close… I love “peachy keen” probably because you are such a peach of a man. Thanks for sharing your love of beauty, farming and cooking with us all.
Thanks Catherine! What a fine compliment. Merci.
mouth water pictures!! I do wish I could drop in too– to see them in person!! Love the warmth and beauty of your blog!!
Thanks Rhonda, and you know I could say the very same about your engaging and thoughtful blog.
Love your photos (and the subject matter!). Wish I could make it to Cafe Luna to take them all in.
Eileen, looks like I’ll just have to plan a show at Minneapolis Institute of Art or Walker. 😉
Oh, your photos are so vibrant and they do look delicious! Your posts frequently ruin my attempts to eat less cake and pie 😉
Thank you Linda, and that is part of my diabolical plan…Bwaaaah-ha-ha. More pie! More cake! Less guilt! Less regret! 😉
How’s it going with your honeybees? Hubby and i are new to it this year, and i think we’re likely losing one of our two hives already. Treatment-free beekeeping is proving to be far more challenging than we thought it would be, even with all the advanced research and reading we did.
Hi Barbara, the bees are going gangbusters, in fact so busy that I’m avoiding the hives altogether. Late in the season they’ve been quite territorial and poised to protect. (First time for that.) I’ve come to not worry so much about them. I try my best and they try their best. I think it really helps that I’ve planted a lot of bee-friendly forage for them, from clover to sunflowers to perennials, to leaving flowering weeds in the field be. 😉
The bees do what they want, and we can help to keep them alive, but not using pesticides and sharing that info with friends and neighbors. My two hives are the strongest they’ve ever been, but unfortunately that does not guarantee their winter survival. Good luck! Don’t get discouraged.
I’m so thrilled to hear they’re doing well! Hubby and i are ruminating over the various scenarios and options to best press forward in the Spring. We’re not giving up! In fact, we’re putting together two more hives, so we’ll have a total of four next year. This way, if we experience losses (which almost seem inevitable, especially if one is going treatment-free), we’ll be able to “cover the loss” with bees from our own humble little apiary. We shall see!
Thanks for the reply.