A Visit to The Biggest Little Farm

A year ago I was invited to visit Apricot Lane Farms in Moorpark, California. The farm and its residents are the subject of the 2018 documentary film, “The Biggest Little Farm”.

The film follows Molly and John Chester, John is the filmmaker, as they transform a dilapidated citrus farm with essentially dead soil into a thriving Elysian Fields. They do this by aligning with the wisdom of nature and following systems that have been present on Earth for thousands of years.

I visited the farm in March of 2022. The fruit trees were in full bloom, the rolling hills were a lush green and the breeze was still a bit cool. Heaven in California.

After seeing the documentary and touring the extensive and various workings of the farm, it was mind-boggling how much work, effort and transformation had occurred over a relatively short period of time. And yet when I walked the farm on my own, it was so quiet and peaceful, like it had been there forever. I felt fully immersed in nature. A wild and domestic line had been blurred. Images of paintings began taking root in my imagination.

Dreaming Newborn, 12x9” watercolor ©2023 Susan McDonnell

Back in my studio I am now creating a body of work for my October 2023 show at Sullivan Goss Gallery in Santa Barbara, California. The artwork reflects and embraces the spirit of nature when we quietly listen to what she has to say. Apricot Lane Farms is an inspiration and a testament to what can flourish when we do just that.

February 9, 2023