Simple Things

Fiddle Player  
gesture sketch watercolor 5x7
Annabelle Seelye Fuhr 

As the wood in the stove is stoked one more time, the musicians shuffle their gear to make room for one more on the front pew. The smell of yet to be discovered treats waft through the old Salem Church as we await the real blessing of music to full the space and our hearts.  It feels like home as hugs, handshakes and recipes are shared.  A calm washes over me as there is nothing to do but relax and take it all in and perhaps do a sketch or two .  The pews continue to be filled by young and old who come every Saturday night recognizing its the simple things that provide the most joy. Just three songs in the food is blessed and tummies are satisfied with homemade cabbage soup,  a heaping crock pot of pasta in red sauce, and the most amazing Italian wedding cakes. That is just tonight and it's not even the first Saturday pot luck, it's always different,  sometimes it's kinda lean other nights it's a feast because everyone contributes.

So many interesting people from the far reaches of the state and a few from across the line, join in this weekly jam session at Red Oak II in Carthage.     The musical talents and experience are as varied as the faces and personal styles.   This seems to be where old professionals from the bluegrass and honky-tonk circuit join retired song writers and those who prefer old time gospel tunes  playing together seamlessly as they take turns leading.  The pastor is kinda the wrangler of all these talents keeping the flow moving around the room and occasionally shares a few little quips, news headlines, or prayer requests followed by a secular song. He starts with, My Little GT,  which seems fitting as a collector of classic cars himself.  The sisters who have been playing together for the last thirty years , take the lead next with their  the squeeze box in a fast paced mountain jig. Someone in the back pulls out wooden spoons and plays along.  We welcome it all.   A bit of playful yodeling comes out  by another lively lady.  The mandolin players strong angelic voice fills the air  with the gospel song,  Broken Vessels , communicating  Gods love, acceptance, and desire to make us whole if only we turn ourselves over to him.

 The microphone is escorted by hand,  capturing a few bars from each musician who take the opportunity pick out some amazing licks, while others enjoy just playing cords or simply clapping along.  This beautiful sense of community is one that has been built over time one new comer at a time, where if you come once you're welcomed and invited back ,  when you come again, you're family.

The sketch above was done on location at Red Oak .  These small quick sketches seem to capture the energy of the moment and fill my sketchbooks as a visual diary of sorts transporting me back to that very moment in time unlike any photograph.  This is my aim in my travel series  and commission portraits that depict people in their natural setting.