The Land, 30 Oct 2019
Janet Laurence Sydney based multi medium artist and Rebecca Gorman from Yabtree West Mundarlo discussing the relationship between art and landscape. Photo: Gillian Sanbrook
Visiting a farm is a rare opportunity for many Australians; but through a series of innovative projects those with a keen interest in landscape regeneration functioning in tandem with agriculture will be able to visit six regenerative farmers in southern NSW.
Through the auspices of Earth Canvas, a not for profit group in southern NSW, this unique project has invited six leading Australian Landscape Artists to come up with a body of art work that reflects their experience of working on a Regenerative farm since April this year.
Earth Canvas started in a response to public concern of losing contact with the production of food.
Earth Canvas chairman Gillian Sanbrook said the artists will show their interpretation of the landscape at Open Days during November.
“This project is designed to link farmers and artists to create a better understanding of the farming landscape,” she said.
“It is a collaboration with the artist, agriculture science and educators.The open days during November are inclusive and open to everyone.”
Anna and Michael Coughlan from Mt Narra Narra, Holbrook will open their property to visitors as part of Earth Canvas Regenerative farmers and artist project on Saturday November 16. Photo: Gillian Sanbrook
Ms Sanbrook employs regenerative techniques on her property Bibbaringa, Bowna for many years and has seen a noticeable improvement in soil and animal health, along with increased diversity of plants and animals.
“We want to open our gates and show people what we are doing on farm,” she said.
“Regenerative farming is about building ecosystems while producing healthy food from healthy soil and managing profitable farming business.”
Apart from the Artist and Farmer talking at the Open days speakers will include Rod Chisholm CEO for Soils for Life will talk about what we need to learn about our soils while Brian Welhberg will talk about how to grow healthy food and ecosystems.
Two Earth Canvas artists John Wolseley and Jo Davenport at Bibbaringa discussing the Earth Canvas Open Days. John will display his work at Bibbaringa, Bowna on 9 November and Jo at Mundarlo, Adelong on 1 December.
The first open day 9 November will be held at Bibbaringa, Bowna north of Albury where water colourist and drawer John Wolseley with share his interpretation of regenerative farming practice.
David Hardwick a scientist and educator will do an entertaining demonstration the building blocks for healthy soil and ecosystems.
Ms Sanbrook pointed out the biggest shift is in the mind when considering the longterm implications of how regenerative principles can benefit agricultural production.
“We now give more consideration to our soils and grasses and focused on stimulating photosynthesis rather than just focusing on the cattle,” she said.
“We are improving ground cover and the trees, bird life and general ecology is more prolific while sequestering carbon.
Artist Idris Murphy from Sydney and Savernake farmer Courtney Young at Eurimbla, Gerogery talking about how artists view the landscape. Idris will display works at the Eurimbla workshop on 10 November. Photo: Gillian Sanbrook
Ms Sanbrook made the point Earth Canvas wants to engage with all ages and people who are concerned about the landscape and who feel disempowered about the future.
“At Earth Canvas we think there are solutions and lack of understanding about land management and farming practices are key elements affecting the frustrations people are experience,” she said.
“We want to communicate with farmers, urban and regional people and open the conversation on the farms.”
- Tickets are available on line through trybooking.com/eventlist/opendays or www.earthcanvas.com.au
- info@earthcanvsas.com.au or phone Gillian 0428696724. Cost $35 per person discounts for family and students, include local produce lunch by local chefs, farm tour and talks. Coffee van available on all properties