For more than a decade, our November edition has been dedicated to exploring the many ways art intersects with agriculture. At first glance, it may seem like a light topic. But as we’ve learned over the years, there’s far more depth to it than meets the eye. At our core, we are champions of all things ag. Naturally, that means celebrating the impressive and impactful creative work within the agricultural community. Still, the reason we showcase it goes much deeper.
Unlike Oscar Wilde, who made the assertion in 1889 that life imitates art, I find myself in the camp that believes art is a strikingly accurate mirror of life. It mimics interests, themes, and values — the stories that matter most to a community. Look at the art of any generation, and you’ll see its heartbeat: struggles, hopes, and defining sentiments. Yet, to Wilde’s point, it can move in the other direction. It can reach individuals who otherwise wouldn’t encounter a subject, sparking curiosity, empathy and understanding.
Take for example the project featured on page 10 of this edition, titled “In the Fields,” created for an Art and Agriculture competition at the University of Florida. Students wrapped hay bales with printed stories of five small farms. The simple yet powerful result perfectly illustrates the hard work and history that goes into something as ordinary as a hay bale. Placed around the UF campus, the installations foster a greater awareness among those not familiar with agriculture.
Of course, we’d be remiss not to also celebrate the artistry within the ag community itself.
On page 14, you’ll meet LaBelle’s Tommie Bade, who combines popular apparel — from Hey Dude shoes to hats, backpacks, and boots — with cowhide to create wearable art that has quickly gained fans in the agriculture community.
Whether it serves as an educational bridge or a beautiful expression of style, art amplifies the reach and spirit of agriculture, and who wouldn’t be on board with that?