I have had the pleasure of knowing Stephen Bethel for many years and have witnessed his artistic practice take shape in a variety of ways. As the founder of Bethel Farm Living Arts Center and organic farm in Hillsborough, Stephen holds yoga classes that are philosophically and experientially informed by his connection to the earth and stewardship of the land through regenerative farming practices. His commitment to working with the flow of nature extends to his latest works.
Late last summer, Stephen expressed interest in taking a tour of the Kimball Jenkins Mansion where I was currently employed. As a former plasterer, he immediately recognized and admired the delicate plaster and woodwork in the mansion. He began to make a connection between the grandeur of the mansion architecture and his latest work where foraged pieces of wood are brought to life by highlighting their untamed beauty with plaster and pigment.
The result is a series of works that evoke the wild and rugged beauty inherent in nature. These works are further elevated by the Kimball Jenkins Mansion, where a natural dialogue between wood and plaster, rawness and refinement, takes place.
As the theme of our show, “Working with the Flow of Nature” began to concretize, we believed this concept could be further enriched by inviting other artists whose work is informed by a reverent relationship with nature to participate. We received submissions that spanned all artistic mediums. Each unique interpretation of what it means to create with the flow of nature illuminates the infinite ways that nature can move through, and ultimately, transform us. These pieces illustrate that when we merge with the flow of nature, beauty proliferates. Further, this theme has awoken an awareness of how much of humanity’s struggle is born from fighting against the flow of nature in an attempt to control, dominate, and exploit.
I invite you, as I have done during the process of organizing this exhibition, to ask yourself how you can work with rather than against nature in all things. I am deeply humbled by the contributions that have been made to this show, the community of artists and nature worshippers that exist here in NH, and the flow that has carried me through the process of curating and presenting a show of this caliber.
“Working with the Flow of Nature” continues to be displayed at Kimball Jenkins Estate through Aug. 31 in the Jill Wilson Gallery of the Mansion. The other exhibition features artists Kevin Dalton, Kristin Ingold, Linda Mai, Tod Stevenson, Sophie Sanders, Kendall Temper, and Tom Wilkins in the Carriage House. Both galleries are open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or by appointment. For more information, visit kimballjenkins.com/upcomingevents/2021/7/2/working-in-the-flow-of-nature.