In 1996 a wonderful collaborative project began. William Moore had an
idea to invite Joe Fafard to create a crop picture at the site of the
1997 International Plowing Match. I was invited in as curator and began
co-coordinating dozens of volunteers on a two-year project that combined
my interest in art and my agricultural knowledge.
MacLaren Against the Grain: The Fafard Field Project was one of those
rare things that exceeded everyone’s expectations. My involvement with
the people that brought it to fruition has had a lasting effect on me. I
recall Joe asking me what I thought, after a wonderful evening at a
celebratory banquet. I answered "it’s a little disquieting because I
realize that I have skills I’m not using". That moment focused me on the
creative path that I follow today.
