An Ugly Wall Becomes a Work of Art

Manchester artist Jim Luckern converted a drab concrete block wall into something extraordinary.

A few weeks ago, we had a contractor build a wall of enormous concrete blocks to contain our cattle in the barnyard and create storage space for the sand we use for their “bedding.” Unlike our fences, which always seem to be falling down, this wall is built for the ages.

But it was really ugly – partially painted, stained with water, and covered in dirt. And for a place like Miles Smith Farm, where we are forever inviting people to visit and admire our picturesque cattle, that is a problem.

Where one person sees ugliness, another sees potential. Farmworker Diane Hersey suggested a mural would brighten the barnyard and help disguise the unsightly blocks. Since I could barely draw stick figures, outside expertise was needed.

An Artist is Found

One Facebook post later, I re-connected with artist Jim Luckern of Manchester. Jim suggested we pressure-wash the blocks, and two days later, he showed up with paints, a brush, and many ideas. This was not Jim’s first visit to the farm. Earlier this year, he and other artists set up their easels on the hillside to paint my beautiful Scottish Highland cows. And Jim's work was awe-inspiring.

So, Jim studied my book, "Yes, I Name Them," and designed artwork that captured the book's essence and the farm, including the stone walls that Miles Smith piled up in the 1850s when he was establishing the farm. Each day, I watched as Jim worked his magic. It was like watching a drab evening sky becoming a brilliant sunset with a shower of colors and images. In Jim's words:

Jim's Words

"My project had to reflect the lives that it touches every day. I started with bright blue skies and Mount Kearsarge in the background, then added Miles Smith, a stone mason as he would look like in the 19th century.

"Mr. Devon, a small brown calf, is also in the mural. Every day, Devon watched me work and sniffed my gear. He put his nose under my arm to see what I was doing or maybe for attention.

"I also briefly met a small calf named Hoku Koa [Hawaiian for Star Warrior]. After days of fighting for his life, Koa passed, and Mr. Devon lay next to the calf with his head on Koa's legs as if he was also grieving. I thought to myself, I must have underestimated the emotional intelligence of the calf and all the cattle.

"I want people to enjoy my artwork. I want them to smile for sure, but I also want them to feel, grieve, think, talk, and debate. To heal. I strive to tell a story in my art. Sometimes I get my point across, and sometimes I don't. But I'll never stop trying to express myself."

Visit the Farm

Jim's artwork has touched me – and gives visitors one more reason to visit the farm. Thanks, Jim. The mural is just steps from the Miles Smith Farm store. Visit the farm and Jim’s mural during store hours - Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, where she raises and sells pork, raw milk, eggs, and beef. She can be reached at carole@soulecoaching.com. Visitors are welcome to the farm at 55 Whitehouse Rd, Loudon, NH, on Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.