In this painting, we're looking again at pigs. The focus is on our wonderful neighbor in Scotland, Phillip, who was one of the people who worked in the pig unit above our house. With Phillip's permission, I spent some time sketching in the pig unit, and realized and remembered, while in that environment, what patience farmers must have in the unpredictable business of raising animals or crops.
Phillip's ruddy face reveals the fortitude of his lifestyle. His ability to get up in the wee hours of the morning, to go out in any weather to do his job on the farm, brought to mind my neighbors from home, wrapped in the same daily cycle of braving the elements and knowing well the rhythm of the seasons. The farming life in any country is one of routine and robust living, but in northeast Scotland, strong winds and long winter nights make it especially challenging.
The cycle of pig life is portrayed here as well, from the piglet stage to the place where some pigs end up, as they do at Wardell Hams in Virginia, smoked and hanging from the porch, ready for the Christmas dinner table. This painting is owned by Phillip and Sheila Hick.
Ellen Elmes
PO Box SVCC
Richlands, VA 24641-1101
email: ellen.elmes@sw.edu
phone: 276.964.7205
fax: 276.964.7720