But one of my favorite aspects of the Fair is the Agriculture Building. That big rotunda houses the things I most enjoy. From the Apple wing with fresh cold cider and popsicles. From the Honey wing where you can watch colonies of pollinators do their thing while eating honey ice cream. And certainly the Dahlias which are always being showcased as the end-of-summer stunners.
But one thing I am both curious and perplexed about is the Seed Art contests which always draw an endless line of spectators. I appreciate the time and detail spent on them. The subject matter leans very kitsch from the 50s with portraits of rock stars and vintage products. But I am usually hesitant to call them "art." What do they do with them even after they win a blue ribbon prize? I can't see them as living room artwork or a conversation piece on your coffee table????
I think the imaginative work by Hanah Bullen Ryner captures the intent of seed art much stronger. I am drawn to her profile quote on her Instagram page. "In love with the natural world and gently trying to find my place in it." She also calls herself an Ephemeral Artist and I had to sit with that a minute to grasp it. She uses a palette of grey clay or rock for her background, then creates whimsical collages of birds and fairies from whatever nature provides her. Bird feathers, berries, flower petals, sticks.... They are colorful and for some reason, very tactile. I am guessing because of the dimensional elements of the materials used.
She sells them as photographs on her Etsy page. But I am guessing they only capture a bit of the essence vs. seeing them live. I think they are beautiful and worth more than a blue ribbon from the MN State Fair. Enjoy them and support her work if you are inspired.
