Painting Description

As I drive around Mennonite Country, I occasionally spot the signs of an impending barn raising. Large wooden beams laying side by side in a field along with the start of a foundation, often of used cement blocks, indicate that the preparation has begun. There is great excitement as the large skeleton of the barn is pulled from the barn floor to stand ready to receive the next set of beams, roof and siding. It is clear from this painting just how the attention of these women is focused on the work crew.

This process is sufficiently charged that both the construction crew and the women watching fully understand why I might be there with my camera. From a cultural standpoint it is very difficult for me to have a chance to paint Mennonite women. Most of the topics I paint deal with activities out of doors and hence show mainly men and children. Barn raisings, sales, and reunions are the best chances for me to capture a group of conservative women.

This image is available for Licensing. Contact Cynthia [email protected] for inquiries.