SPOTLIGHT
Susan Hillary, Painter, Filmmaker, Farmer at Goshen Green Farm (#17 on UAW Map)
Can you tell us a little bit about what you do? And how long you’ve been in your current position. I am constantly doodling and creating images. I often paint on found objects – windows, window screens, window shades, plywood, etc. We started Goshen Green Farm in 2010 as biodymanic, it has evolved into no-till permaculture. These days I plant and manage the farm fields, while my childhood friend Merry runs the greenhouse and value added market. I also work as an environmental attorney focused on protecting water resources and stopping nuclear proliferation.
Use three words to describe yourself: multipotentialite, creative, caring.
What brought you to the Hudson Valley/Catskill Mountains? I was born in Nyack. I returned to the area after living in Los Angeles for over 20 years when my parents' health was in decline. About 15 years ago I moved to a historic farmstead in Orange County and started a permaculture herbal and plant dye farm.
What brought you to the Hudson Valley/Catskill Mountains? I was born in Nyack. I returned to the area after living in Los Angeles for over 20 years when my parents' health was in decline. About 15 years ago I moved to a historic farmstead in Orange County and started a permaculture herbal and plant dye farm.
What do you love about your job? I love creating things and helping them grow, getting my hands in the dirt (paint or soil) and bringing new ideas, images and plants to life.
What exciting things do you have planned for UAW? Along with a group of great visual artists showing their new works throughout the farm, we have live music and playful interactive art projects
Best place near you to get:
Breakfast? Noble Coffee Roasters or Yen Cafe
Lunch? AOOA
Dinner? Bloominghill Farm
What’s your favorite local store? Goshen Green Farm market
What’s your favorite art/creative space to visit? Storm King or Dia Beacon
What is one tip for people experiencing UAW for the first time? Explore, enjoy and engage. Each day try to focus on a different region.
What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people? This past year my work was included in the Alvin Ailey exhibition at the Whitney Museum of Art.
Now for the speed round! Pick one or the other:
Valley or mountains? Mountains
Car or train? Car
Walk or hike? Hike
Sun or snow? Snow
Indoors or outdoors? Outdoors
Diner or restaurant? Restaurant
Market or shop? Market
Clear or clouds? Clear
Sunglasses or hat? Hat
Abstract or realist? Abstract
Contemporary or modern? Contemporary
Sculpture or painting? Both
IRL or digital? IRL
Look or listen? Look
See or feel? Feel