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Hello everyone! My name is Ava Birchfield, and I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work at Harvest Gold this summer. I am an incoming junior at Virginia Tech, studying Human Development and Disability Studies. My family has been coming to Lovell for almost 15 years and it has become one of my favorite places on earth. Harvest Gold truly captures and illustrates the beauty of Maine, showcasing every aspect of this incredible state.
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"Birches"
One of the first things I noticed when touring the gallery was the use of various materials and textures. For example, the wonderful, Marty Elkin, creates her artwork using original needle felted wool. I was especially drawn to her piece titled, "Sheep in the Field." Her artistry with wool not only highlights her technical skills but also deepens the connection between sheep and their wool. Sheep, through their natural cycles, provide the very material Elkin transforms into her art. This process showcases the relationship between the artist and the subject of the piece, emphasizing sustainability and the beauty inherent in raw materials found in nature. Elkins piece not only illustrates the physicality of sheep but also the bond between animals, humans, and the natural resources we share.
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"Sheep in the Field"
Although not all of her pieces include images of animals, there is an undeniable connection between the different aspects of nature. Her pieces are not only beautiful to look at, they are also uniquely thought provoking, with each piece telling it's own story.
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"The Kettle and the Cup"
I highly recommend checking out Marty Elkins art work when visiting the gallery in-person or online. Thank you all for taking time to read my thoughts and I hope you all have an amazing summer!
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