Exploring Matfield Green and the Surrounding Area 来たるマットフィールドグリーンでのショーに向けて(4) マットフィールドグリーンと周辺の土地巡り

     Life is like a journey and I am like a traveler and a sojourner on the earth.  I consider my artistic life as a journey as well.  Not just showing my work at shows, but it is meaningful for me to explore the places where my art takes.  Since I will have an opportunity to have a show in Matfield Green, KS from April through the end of May, I have been exploring this little city in the Flint Hills and its surrounding area.

　人生は旅のようで、この世では自分は旅人で寄留者のようなものだと思っています。アートをしながらの人生も旅をしているようなもので、ショーをしに行く先々では作品を展示するだけでなく、その場所を見て回ることができれば、と思っています。今回４月から５月末までマットフィールドグリーンでショーをさせてもらうこの機会に、フリントヒルズに位置するこの小さな村と、その周辺の土地を訪れてみました。

 Spring in Matfield Green, KS

 Old school with goats

 Trains in Matfield Green.  Trains make me feel at home.

 Pear trees are in full bloom.

 Old church in Bazaar, KS, about 6 miles north of Matfield Green

 Old school in Bazaar

 Scenic byway between Matfield Green and Cottonwood Falls on Highway 177

  Found an old one room school house near Florence, Marion, Co.

   This school had only two students when it was closed 70 years ago.  

Flint Hills Market & Bakery in Florence

 On a big table, saw some cards with portraits of historical people in KS.

This lady kindly added threads to my thread piece.

Apparently, I like old buildings.  Florence, KS

     I've been living in Kansas for 20 years, but I had not explored the rural Kansas this much before.  Many places are losing population.  I saw many abandoned houses. This area is so beautiful and could become like a big tourist place if they try to promote it, but this serenity and quietness is priceless.

　カンザスに住んでもう２０年になりますが、こんな風にカンザスの田舎を見て回ったのは初めてです。ほとんどの町で人口が減少し、朽ち落ちた廃家が見られます。とてもきれいな場所なので、観光に力を入れれば多くの観光客が来るようになるかもしれないような所ですが、この清々しさと静けさは何物にも代えがたいものがある、と思いました。

Shirotaeno - Prairie Journey
Bank Art Space
Reed St, Kansas Scenic Byway 177, Matfield Green KS
(620)-753-3451
Date: April 9 - June 5, 2016