#indianahistoricsites

[art-on-art-on-art]

Stockert meets Stratton-Porter

Gene Stratton-Porter

Author Naturalist Photographer Producer

Gene was not like most women of her time. Instead of staying home and sewing or cooking, Gene preferred to go exploring in the Limberlost Swamp. There, using a camera given to her as a Christmas present by her daughter, she photographed the colorful birds and animals in their natural habitat. When she set out to explore the swamp, she carried with her the camera and a gun, just in case any poisonous snakes crossed her path. Gene submitted her nature photographs and articles to outdoor magazines, such as Recreation and Outing.

Soon, Gene decided to try writing fiction as a way to appeal to a larger audience. Her first novel, Song of the Cardinal, was published in 1903, and a second, Freckles, came out in 1904. In all, Gene authored 12 novels, seven nature books, two books of poetry, children’s books and numerous magazine articles. Though her novels were wildly popular, many critics complained that they were overly sentimental and romantic. Indiana History Society

We met up with Rebecca Stockert three days into her two week residency at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site and it didn’t take long for us to understand why Rebecca was drawn to Gene. 

Rebecca is probably best known for her whimsical illustrations featuring animals and nature–two subjects that were incredibly influential to Gene as well. Rebecca explained that she used to visit the historic site as a child and when she saw the Arts in the Parks and Historic Sites grant program opportunity she knew it was time to revisit Gene and the life she created in Rome City.

During the course of her two week residency, Rebecca is illustrating 10 different plant species native to the area. In between the technical plant studies she is calling upon Gene’s poetry and discovering inspiration for new narrative illustrations. When she hits a creative road block Rebecca looks back to Gene and her poems for guidance saying,

Poetry is complex. You always get something new out of it that you missed the first time.

Added bonus is the expertise of State Historic Site manager Dave Fox (pictured with Rebecca below). Dave has been with the Gene Stratton-Porter Site for 9 years. His passion is authentic and genuine. If you find yourself in Rome City be sure to mark this spot on your calendar! Rebecca held a watercolor workshop over the weekend and will be there for the remainder of the week (July 17-22). Stop in and catch up–she’ll spot you a paintbrush (and good company)!