By Jenny Zeller
For over a decade, artist Jim Fike traveled across the continental United States in an epic effort to photograph wild edible flora including a stop at Bernheim as a 2016 Artist in Residence. Edible Plants is the culmination of that journey, featuring over 100 photographs that Fike has selectively colorized to highlight the edible part of each plant.
” I have done a number of artist residencies, but Bernheim ranks amongst the best! I got to live in a log cabin, hike through deciduous forests and meadows to my lakeside studio. Beyond the amenities, generous stipend and natural beauty, the staff proved to be an immense help and something very unique to Bernheim. I had the pleasure of working with naturalists and ecologists – gleaning unique insights into the flora of the area and enhancing my work.” – Jim Fike
While in residence, the artist worked with Interpretive Program Manager Wren Smith, who helped hone Fike’s knowledge of Kentucky plants and its link to the land, people, and culture, while contemplating plant ecology. The book features the edible botanicals found at Bernheim and is accompanied by an introduction from Executive Director Dr. Mark K. Wourms.
Jim Fike’s contemporary, place-based approach to landscape photography emphasizes our relationship to the natural world, reveals food sources, and encourages environmental stewardship.
Buy your copy for $25 in the Visitor Center today!
The Artist in Residence program has attracted artists from around the world who seek to use Bernheim as their inspiration. Established in 1980, this internationally renowned program annually awards artists the opportunity to live and create site-specific work inspired by their total immersion experience in the natural environment. Work created through the program allows our visitors to connect with nature in new and exciting ways.