Sorcha Meek :: Facing Change Series

Facing Change Series

Maryhill Museum of Art received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to work with twelve selected contemporary Northwest artists. This show, Sustaining Change on the American Farm, represents evolving agricultural practices and the emergence of a new rural ecological aesthetic on twelve award-winning family farms.

Meek was chosen to work on the Frahm Farm, a 1000 acre farm in Ontario, Eastern Oregon.

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Facing Change I
Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media
19 3/4" x 29"

A diversity of wildlife is supported by leaving a section of farm land in its natural state. These wetlands enhance natural ecosystems. This painting is sewn onto an onion sack which represents the Frahm Farm's most important crop.

Facing Change II
Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media
36" x 42"
SOLD

Progress and the industrial age has led to great changes in the way farm land is worked. The ‘horse hair’ represents the horse, once one of the most essential tools in farming. Today the horse still has a purpose on the farm although more sublime. Its beauty feeds the soul. In other words living without beauty is merely existing. The cross is a reference to the church. Believing in something greater than one’s self is vital.

Facing Change III
Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media
19 3/4" x 29"

It was necessary to build the Onion Shed in order for this farm to remain profitable enough to sustain the next generation. The stitch used to sew the painting to the onion sack is an acknowledgement of the Japanese American internment camps that existed in this part of Oregon. It was shown to me by a friend who spent part of her childhood in one of these camps.

Facing Change IIII
Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media
17" x 69"

The bailing twine represents the pull between the past and the present, the present and the future. It also represents the continuity within this farming family. The portraits have been sewn to canvas using the same stitch that was originally used to sew up the onion sacks when they were made of burlap.

Facing Change V
Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media
19 3/4" x 29"

Facing Change VI
Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media
19 3/4" x 29"
SOLD

Facing Change VII
Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media
19 3/4" x 29"

Facing Change VIII
Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media
19 3/4" x 29"
SOLD

Facing Change IX
Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media
21 1/2" x 35 1/2"

Facing Change X
Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media
21 1/2" x 35 1/2"