Carol Ann’s Chickens
In November 2011, I took a workshop in Austin with Lynn Johnson, Scott Martin and Penny de Los Santos. My assignment was to follow and photo document Carol Ann Sayle at her beautiful urban farm, Boggy Creek Farm.
The workshop was more than I had expected to be. Honestly, I thought it was going to be shooting in group and having critiques. Maybe I would be back at home for dinner. Never did I imagine that I was going to be abandoning my four 12-year-old kids and husband for a week. On the second day of the workshop I was so stressed out about being pulled in two different directions, I was ready to give up.
Fortunately I did not. This workshop helped me more than anything I have done for my career in the last 10 years. It gave me a chance to feel vulnerable, but at the same time, to realize it’s a matter of will and determination and it made me feel empowered.
And as if this would not be enough I got to meet and learn from a real gardener, with real knowledge. Knowledge that is learned by doing–by getting dirty and sleeping tired. I got to follow Carol Ann and her assistants Marisa and Austin while working, preparing the soil, planting and weeding. I watched her cook and then shared lunch with them everyday.
And then, as it always happens, while gathering at the kitchen, an interesting conversation came up. Marissa and Austin were talking about how Butterball was acting weird. Butterball being one of Carol Ann’s chicken. The three of them really liked these birds! It was too cool to ignore. The next day for almost 2 hours, instead of following Carol Ann, Marissa or Austin, I followed the chicken (Penny was not happy about it) these are some of their portraits.
Carol Ann, Austin and Marissa this one is for you.
