Waiting for the Sequel

Here's a loud cheer to Jared Pratt, Jason Kuehnen and Benyamin James for putting themselves out there, being bold, being original, being creative. Being themselves.

We are more used to seeing Jared loading grain into the car for the horses and chickens. He operates the Agro-Centre in Huntsville, and is our Go-To guy when it comes to animal nutrition.

Jason we don't encounter as often. But his parents met while Margaret was staying here, and his father -- and Jason -- have crafted most of the brick-work about Bondi.  We have a copy of his first book of poetry, too.

The pair of them, along with their friend Ben, staged their first Art Show on Sunday.  Now, this is a feat in and of itself.  It takes a heck of a lot of courage to 'put yourself out there', open to the criticism that is drawn to artistic endeavors like moths are drawn to flame.  Art is deeply personal.  It's like hanging parts of yourself up on the wall for discussion...  So well done Jason and Jared.  And Ben -- who accompanied each artwork with a tale, stories from fractured landscapes.

mad cow anterior view by Pratt

Just to stage this show, the amount of work staggers the mind.  Jared transformed the Agro-Centre into a gallery. Complete with rugs on the floor.  I don't want to look behind the curtains hung along the back, where I suspect all the Cat and Dog food in Christendom is currently hiding, snugged in close to all the garden seeds in captivity.  Just to clear the space was Hurculean in scope.  Not stopping there, the lads had it polished till it gleamed, the work carefully hung, and a great little snack table provided by Vanessa's Kitchen.  I had to plead ignorance on that front as well -- although she told me she is new to the business, so the fact I had not heard of this caterer might be excused. You'll hear more of her.  She did a fabulous job.

'spawning salmon' by Kuehnen

They all did.  So, here's a cheer to celebrate work ethic, creativity and courage.  Relax, folks.. the Kids are All Right.