Poetry of Onions
“…Let me keep my mind on what matters, which is my work, which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished…” – Mary Oliver, Messenger
I spent a recent rainy morning with two artist friends at Walker Farm in Brattleboro, Vermont. The sunflowers and peaches, carrots and tomatoes, and a riot of bright-colored petunias in the greenhouse were a painter’s dream. But somehow I found myself drawn to an old shed, where several bushels of onions caught the dim light. If you haven’t read Mary Oliver’s poem, Messenger, I recommend it in its entirety. This part about “mostly standing still and learning to be astonished” struck me as especially fitting for this particular moment — where something as ordinary as an onion becomes strikingly beautiful when we really look at it. What better work is there for an artist?
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Drawn In 
Yes. What, indeed? Oh, Mary Oliver is very much one of the greats. Thank you. Gorgeous work too, never knew onions could be so beautiful, Jean.
Astonishing in its simplicity and its beauty. Lovely!
I love everything about this. Your onions are astonishing and those words so impactful. I look forward to reading that poem. Thank you for sharing!
I love everything about it too. And I so agree with it all.
Walker Farm is my go – to farm stand. They are well-loved in the community, and support other local food producers. Didn’t you love their topiary? And British telephone booth? Great, helpful staff also. I love the way you’ve captured the translucent onion skins. I can hear them rustle.
Oh- how lucky you are! Great place– and yes, lived the topiary, archways, chicken coop, greenhouse, etc, etc!
Beautiful!
simply beautiful Jean. xxx
I am always fascinated by ordinary things and learning to paint them. Your onions are fantastic!! 🙂