COW, the loss of an intimate bond

As I travel the roads of Vermont and witness the remnants of farms gone by, I imagine the farmers whose long hours of hard work left grooves in their faces and dirt under their fingernails. I imagine the children who grew up on those farms running barefoot through pastures, side by side with the very cows that kept their bellies full of rich creamy milk.

Although I appreciate the need for change and advancement, I am deeply saddened by what Vermont has lost, and continues to lose, in the decline of our small dairy farms. Our children are losing outdoor playgrounds once provided by pastures and hay barns, the outdoor adventures that nurture creative imagination. Living with cows our children learn the responsibility of caring for the very animals that provide food for our tables, they witness the cycle of life, the rewards of hard work, and they learn the importance of land stewardship. Through the intimate connection with the dairy cow our children learn empathy and compassion, and develop a greater understanding of the role that animals play in our lives.

The dairy cow was once considered a vital member of the family, not only for food production and land management but also for companionship. The bond between these gentle animals and their farming families provided security and a richness of life. Close knit farming communities provided a sense of belonging and identity.

The gentle and giving nature of the dairy cow is what I strive to bring forth in this series of drawings. I urge the viewer to look beyond the image of the cow and reflect on all we have gained from its presence, and all we stand to lose with the passing of our small dairy farms.

It is my hope that this body of work will open a window for reflection and perhaps sew seeds of inspiration for a new generation of small herd dairy farmers.