Shoot for Providence Monthly June 2012

I don't know Central Falls very well; it is a town with more than its share of problems. Sadly it is probably better known for its financial difficulties than anything else at this point. But, hidden away behind one of the projects is an oasis of horticultural bliss.

The New Urban Farmers have developed an amazing property and program. You can read about them on their site - but in a nutshell their program is getting children and community members involved with community farming in a creative way. There is just a good vibe about the place. Of course the dozen little kids running around planting all sorts of things may have had something to do with the vibe.

[handful of worms in compost]

There is something about this photo that reminds me of grave stones with the projects in the background. But, I love the juxtaposition of the reality of the plots which are in fact gardens which will soon be full of life in this urban neighborhood.

I was assigned to photograph this interesting place for Providence Monthly. It is hard to complain about being in a giant garden on a sunny day. The only challenge as a photographer is all the children want to play with you. I haven't quite figured out the line to draw between playing with them and getting the job done. I err on the side of play.

[future camera obscura / dragons lair? I think they called it the dragon's lair]

[The cacophony of activity]

I drew up a map for the art staff (up 2 photos) so they could know where certain key features were for the article. They didn't ask for it and I don't even know if they needed it. But, I dunno... it's just one of those fun things like a treasure map or cutaway diagram that I enjoyed (and still enjoy) as a kid.

[Rafael shows me a robbin's nest. Gotta love that blue]

From using renewable energy to fish farming and geodesic domes it is an interesting place. But, with the help of some RISD people they are also building a giant camera obscura in the hillside and also a mushroom hut (hut? I don't know the correct term... all the sayings I know about growing mushrooms aren't appropriate for this).

Bleu, Emily, and Raffi were my guides for the day (Bleu and Emily founded the project while Rafael is sort of the community leader) and they were awesome people. Just good souls. Their work is hard, the results often intangible, but the impact will last many lifetimes I suspect.