The Renegade Farmer Interviews Katherine Dunn, Artist, Dreamer and Farmer!

Katherine Dunn says that her world is a 'collision of art, animals and farm'. She has been a full time artist since 1996, but when she moved to Oregon in 2002 her world changed. Apifera Farm is nestled near the coastal range, within the vineyard/agricultural area, 50 miles west of Portland. She and her landscaper husband opted to grow 4000 lavender plants as a crop, and the rest of their acreage they developed into grazing fields for their young flock of sheep. Their goal was to be more sustainable, improve the land, and work and live on something that had a heartbeat. Apifera is also home to Pino the donkey who throws a Pie Party each year to help raise funds for senior animals in need. He has become an entity of his own, sharing his story on the Apifera blog and through art, and puppet shows put on by Katherine. Katherine's art is both for the gallery world, and the illustration market. The many animal muses from her farm inspire both art and writing. Her first book is coming out in 2010 called Creative illustration Workshop [Quarry Books] which focuses on her inspirations and art. Her paintings are also showcased on Sundance Catalog. Visit her art at www.katherinedunn.us, see more of the farm at www.apiferafarm.com and follow her life as artist-farmer at www.apiferafarm.blogspot.com