a different kind of crop

Farming has inspired all manner of amazing feats in this world, and here’s another jaw dropper that can be traced back to the seat of a tractor: the “monumental earthwork” of Kansas artist Stan Herd.

More than a mere master of crop circles (amazing in their own right), Herd has spent the past 40 years honing a technique of actually planting his enormous artworks, which are best viewed bird’s eye, from high above. The crops, in essence, create the image—with considerable input from the weather, as you might imagine.

“I have gravitated to the idea that the earthworks need to be more than just something to look at … that the background story of mankind’s relationship to the earth, in agriculture, and in stewardship of pristine nature, is what the act of creating the work is about,” Herd explained to Modern Farmer.

The latest of his many creations, completed this year, is a 1.2-acre reproduction of Van Gogh’s Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun in Eagan, Minnesota, comprised of native plants, gourds, oats, and other various natural materials.

For comparison, here’s the original Van Gogh painting (oil on canvas):

Vincent van Gogh, Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun, 1889, via Wikimedia Commons

Now, watch in wonder the video below, which follows Herd’s fascinating method of cultivating Van Gogh’s classic as a commission for the Minneapolis Institute of Art:

“At 65, I only have a limited amount of time to create these massive works,” Herd said. “I am reminded that I need to choose my work carefully.”

He is now drumming up funding for his in-progress collaborative earthwork, Young Woman of Brazil, in São Paulo, Brazil. You can contribute to this sustainable community garden for people who reside in the surrounding favela (urban slum) by becoming a “Root Supporter” via the Herd Arts website.

“I want to see if an image of this sort can add something to the community for the long run,” Herd says. “All art doesn’t have to have a utilitarian purpose, but at their best, I believe my earthworks do.”

  1. Cindi says:

    That’s amazing! One of my favorite parts of flying ~ okay the only favorite part ~ is looking out at the beautiful patchwork fields that farmers create. It makes me wonder what thoughts go through their minds while plowing and planting. From the air it seems like it would be a time of meditation for them. Maybe so, as every farmer I have ever met has a deep, silent, spiritual connection with earth, life and the creative forces. There is clearly so much more to being a farmer than most realize.

  2. I read about Herd and his projects in Modern Farmer which I read weekly. ( I highly suggest this entertaining and educational website ) His amazing scope of artistry is a wonder to behold. The actual planting and choosing of green matter is an art in itself. He is a visionary and the best landscape architect I have ever come across ( ok , after my grandfather, a visionary unto himself)

  3. Winnie Nielsen says:

    This artwork is fantastic! I have seen the painting and this bigger than life interpretation is incredible and almost spiritual. I feel quite certain that Van Gogh would have loved to have had the opportunity to see such a take on his painting. Thanks for sharing this today.

  4. Bonnie ellis says:

    And to think this amazing planting is within 20minutes of me!

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farm-romance-Waiting_For_Santa

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    This vintage picture is adorable. I love the pink chubby cheeks!

    Yesterday my youngest finally made it to Florida after a long day of flight delays, changes, and mama and dad sitting at the Orlando airport waiting for something to eventually work out. After we got home late, she came to me and said, I got a shower and now I am going to bed with some MaryJane reading! “Mom, did you see that awesome trailer she created??” Yes, my girl took, on permanent loan, your book on Glamping and has dreams, I think, of having something like that in her life one day! This one definitely has the MJF in her genes! The other one actually has a farm and raises dairy goats. Their Mama? Well, she sort of majored in the MJF domestic skills, including, a deep passion for turn of the century American history and knitting for victory!

  2. Karlyne says:

    My first thought (well, after how adorable the picture is) is that this child’s parents would be arrested for allowing their child to sit on a roof these days. We seem to have become a singularly humorless society, and so I say to you all at the Farm, who have given us many a chuckle, “Happy Christmas to all – and God bless us, everyone!”

    (and that includes you, Winnie!)

  3. Reminds me of that age ( and I even looked like that child- chubby with a dutch boy haircut.) My parents would stencil with flour or sugar , reindeer hoof prints on the roof to show that santa and his 8 tiny reindeer had really come. A very fond memory and yes I did climb up to the roof to see !

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farm-romance_4098

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    A few years ago, I was gifted several of these beautiful pillows by you. They are so pretty all piled up on the bed!!

  2. Bonnie ellis says:

    Oh the elegance, oh the comfort, oh the softness too. Lace is always a farmgirl welcome. Love those pillows!

  3. OOHHH! those pillows look familiar! I sleep with mine you so sweetly gave as a cheer up/get well gift, every night!

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farm-romance-4711

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    I never tire of looking at what Mother Nature can create with a little hot and cold!

  2. Bonnie Ellis says:

    looks like crocheted lace on the leaves. beautiful.

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  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    That is a bit of Farmgirl Romance I would love to wake up and experience! I’m claiming the tent with Grandmother’s old stove. Coffee would be a must have in these circumstances. LOL!! I bet even Jasper might consider staying for a sleep over.

    • MaryJane says:

      G-ma’s cook stove, mid-morning sunshine, third cup of coffee perky from a percolator and pitcher of cream. Close your eyes and you’re there! (I mean, here.) Good morning dear Winnie.

      • Winnie Nielsen says:

        MMmmmm, I can taste that sweet thick cream from maybe Daisy and feel the warm sunshine on my face while I am bundled up in a quilt while sitting on the tent porch. Coffee is awesome when you are outdoors and it is freezing cold! Maybe you will have a chance to stop by between cow chores for a bit of warm up. Me? I am working on my newest book “Vintage Knitting: Patterns from the 1940s” and dreaming what I might be skilled enough to try next. They have the coolest Everyday Underwear patterns. “It is sensible, warm, yet well fitting and trim.” Basically it is a camisole and boy shorts set. So darn cute!! They also feature the cinch head band cap similar to what I made for you and Carol. “The turban is fashion’s last word in streamlined smartness and this two-colored design is a reply to fashion’s last word.” Are you enjoying your Knit for victory woolies yet?

        • MaryJane says:

          Right now I’m getting 6 to 7 gallons of milk per day and yes, Miss Daisy is one of the bovine beauties who greets me every a.m. That’s an abundance of cream even though Ashley and I make whole milk cheeses. Did I say, CREAM FOR COFFEE? Outdoor camp coffee is the very best. Your new book sounds fabulous. The head cinch has been my friend with our recent cold snap in addition to ear muffs on top of the head band wrapping around the back of my head (only my cows see me). My sockies are too special for everyday outside wear. They are for cozy, comfy evening wear. I just started reading Go Set a Watchman. I think you’d like it. It was Good Reads pick of the year.

          • Winnie Nielsen says:

            That’s my Girl, Daisy! She was too pregnant, last I saw her, to tell about how having this next youngin’ was going to produce some GradeAAA milk and cream for coffee!

            I’ll look into getting Go Set a Watchman along with the the Emotional calendar today. They sound wonderful!!

          • MaryJane says:

            Guess what chicken butt? Carol showed up for work with your headband on. She looks adorable in it.

  2. Bonnie ellis says:

    What a beautiful shot of snow bliss. Looks so pretty with the lace across the top. You’ve created your own Pinterest for us. Thanks Mary Jane.

  3. Nancy Coughlin says:

    What a beautiful photograph!

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