Kristin Farr continues:

Most of us strive to incorporate more sustainable practices and DIY activities into our daily routines, but many people are still slaves to the consumer consumption machine in some way, shape, or form. Allyson and her husband, artist Jeremy Taylor, don’t just talk about being more careful about resource consumption; they practice environmental responsibility every day.

From their homegrown art materials to the quilt Allyson made for their bed, the artists are making the world a better place one step at a time. They rescue injured birds and find homes for abandoned cats, all the while and creating thoughtful artwork (both individually and collaboratively) with messages that are of monumental importance, and teaching students how to create and work with safer materials. Both Allyson and Jeremy have printmaking backgrounds, a medium that can be incredibly detrimental to one’s health.

Living in an area of the country where rich food, cured meats, and dove hunting are the norm doesn’t make things easier for the artists, but they press on, no matter how depressed they might feel about their neighbors’ wretched hobbies -- I was shocked when Allyson told me there are people in Virginia who plant fields of sunflowers specifically to attract doves and then shoot them for sport. What’s next? Kitten strangling competitions? As Allyson pointed out, using flowers to trick doves is like “two beautiful things being pooped on at once.”

Luckily, Allyson and Jermey have found their own small circle of like-minded folks, and last year they curated an art show and series of events focused on nature, local food, and sustainability as a way to share information with their community.

Allyson is also a huge Sci-Fi fan, and some of her newest work is inspired by her favorite films, including 1988’s They Live. She sent me this clip, which will definitely make you think about a certain famous street artist.

Speaking of street art, Allyson and her husband were close friends with the late, great Conrail Twitty and have painted many trains and walls. Check out their blog header to see an example: www.allysonandjeremy.blogspot.com

I’ve been lucky to have kept in touch with Allyson, and we recently bonded about a film we both love, Gentleman Broncos, starring Jemaine Clement as a Science Fiction author with an inflated ego. We highly recommend it.

Lastly, the following image makes me think of Allyson Mellberg. Though she has nothing to do with the corporate Disney conglomeration, she told me a story about a wild dove she called “Pidgy” who would visit her frequently, fly right up to her, and land on her arm. If that’s not magic, I don’t what is.

Anyone lucky enough to be in NYC must check out Allyson’s solo show, “An Unearthly Child,” opening September 10th at Cinders Gallery.

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