The Good Shepherd

Archival Giclee Signed Print  8x10in., 11x14in.  This icon holds a lot of meaning for me. It was painted for a Parish that is dear to my heart, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Athens, Ohio. The people of the parish were an integral part to our mission, work, and community life of the Good Earth Farm where I lived and worked for six years. The community at the farm grew and gleaned produce for the many food pantries in the area, inviting anyone in the Athens community to join us planting, harvesting, and delivering food, collecting eggs, feeding pigs, and shearing sheep. There is much to be said about the conversations and connection that comes from weeding an entire row of carrots with a complete stranger. Our real work was about communion. We hoped our work as farmers brought us a greater connection to Creation and the marginalized. We hoped to be a sign for the dignity of work and the reverent use of resources. We wished to balance the roles and responsibilities that upl