Agrarian Art by Malaika Whitney

These paintings and drawings share stories of farming and agrarian tradition. Some are crafted from black and white photographs found in dusty closets, others are depictions of our daily work as farmers and land stewards. My artwork is a nod to the timelessness and enduring virtue of this work; inspiring in us gratitude, pride and responsibility to carry on the traditions of our grandmothers and grandfathers, in both knowledge and sweat.

This year, I’ve been drawing with graphite pencils using photographs that have been taken on the farm this past year, by myself and family. These photographs are in color and I’ve drawn them in black and white; exactly the opposite of what I used to do, bringing color to black and white photographs from the past. Yes, times have changed in many ways, and in many ways they haven’t at all. A beautiful cow is still a beautiful cow and a source of great pride and joy for the farmer who reared her. A lush hay field with the promise of nourishing winter feed is as cherished today as it always has been. Some of these are available for purchase and you can see prices and sizes below. They will be on display in our Farmstand through mid-December. They are framed in very basic frames. Sizes range from 6”x 8” to 8” x 10”.

Left to right: Milking Parlor ($250), Milking Shorthorn Cow ($450), Savannah Grazing ($450)

Left to right: 806 Firewood Gathering ($250), Buster on Farrell Rd Hill ($450), Sugar House Nights ($250)

Left to right: Randall Cattle, Field, Hereford Cattle

Left to right: Calf training, Lil’ pickup pup, Farmyard