Not being a driver, when I got invited to an event on a farm this week I prepared myself for an epic journey into the countryside.
But after a quick Google, I discovered that the 47-acre Elm Tree Farm is only a 15 minute direct bus ride from central Bristol. Our city just keeps on surprising us!
So why was I hanging out with some pigs and sheep on a late September evening?
The fabulously named Water Salad on Monday is a unique photography exhibition.
The work of BAFTA-winning film maker and photographer Esther May Campbell, it captures life on the community farm and places the photos back in the location where they were shot.
Esther spent time recording super emotive images of the animals, plants, volunteers, carers and adults with learning disabilities who work together on the farm to nurture life and community.
All in black and white, the photos are scattered around the farm and in the early evening autumn light, it looked spectacular.
The exhibition allows you to explore the farm and search out the photos. A piece of white cloth indicates an image is nearby.
In the orchard, for example, close up photos of the faces of some of the people the charity help are leaning against the trees below bright red apples, and in the hay barn, large prints capturing farm life are attached to the bales.
It really is a beautiful sight and a tremendous way to show off the great work the Brandon Trust carries out.
These are no set up, magazine shoots. The happiness, tears, laughter and sadness and anger are raw and the people are absolutely real.
As Esther herself says: “I am interested in exploring the potential for transformation through the act of caring itself, while documenting carers – work that is so often overlooked or undervalued.
“The farm is a beautiful and inspirational place. The faces and the people are weathered and tender. Understanding and nurturing community and care is crucial and Water Salad On Monday seeks to investigate these qualities in photographic form.”
I’ve seen many amazing art exhibitions in Bristol. This is one of the best.
You must see it.
Water Salad on Monday is at Elm Tree Farm until 1 October.
