Fox has a dream.

Fox has a dream

by Amy Lowry

For Duane Michals

On a sunny morning in August of 2022, photographer Duane Michals and his students visited my home in Camden Maine, for the purpose of shooting a video. It was the last day of a weeklong workshop entitled “Storyteller” hosted by The Maine Media Workshops in nearby Rockport.

I first met Duane in 1982 while living in Manhattan. I knew and loved his work, and was fortunate to model for him in both creative and commercial projects. His energy was remarkable - always curious, always playful. I’ve viewed him as a mentor ever since. We’ve remained in touch over the years - he’s always been available to review my portfolio.

“Don’t show me anything I’ve already seen” he would say, “And stop trying to juggle eight projects at once. Focus on one and complete it.”

The students had raided the prop closet and arrived with an assortment of costumes and random objects: ropes and drums and dolls. After a quick inspection of the property, Duane identified a small clearing in the woods as the perfect spot for the shoot. He was quite taken with Fox and Roy characters in my studio created by artist Dave Poole, and asked if he could include them.

The video was unscripted. Duane placed the students in various poses and over the course of four hours they shot a film. Duane lingered in the woods after the shoot was finished. He was fascinated by three clam shells that he had found, and began arranging them in the crotch of an old oak tree. I suggested adding the fairy lights, and the idea for the story was born.

Amy Lowry

Copyright © 2023 by Amy Lowry.

All rights reserved. Special thanks to Elmwood Farm Studio, The Maine Media Workshops, and the Hobgloblins.

Fox has a dream.

by Amy Lowry

“Roy,” said Fox, “I had the strangest dream.”

“I met a very queer man in the woods.”

“He was holding three shells.”

“He said they were magic.”

“What do you suppose it means?”

“I must find out.

I must go to the woods.”

“Goodbye Roy.”

“Wait!” cried Roy. “Don’t go!

There are goblins in the woods!”

The Woods!

Roy is worried.

“Gosh,” he thought. “Will I ever see Fox again?”

OH NO!!!

Fox is kidnapped!

and taken to the land of...

The Hobgoblins!

There he meets a very queer man.

He was holding three shells.

“These are Mother Nature’s ovaries,” he said.

“They fell out of her crotch, and were taken by the Rat Queen.”

“She cast a spell on the Hobgoblins - Lord knows what she’ll do next!” said the very queer man.

“These must be returned, for they are sacred. They hold the seeds of life.

Without them, the earth as we know it will cease to exist.”

“But how will I find her?” asked Fox.

“Follow your nose,” said the very queer man.

“Go to the heart of the woods. Look for a raven who sleeps in the crotch of an oak tree, and don’t delay.

The future of the planet is in your hands.”

“Surely, I am dreaming,” thought Fox.

The Oak Tree!

The Raven!

The Crotch!

Fox gently placed the shells in the crotch of the tree.

As he turned to go, he heard a voice Mother Nature!

She smiled.

“Thank you, Fox. You have saved the planet.”

“Well done!” said the very queer man.

“Now you must return home.

Roy needs you.”

Roy was very glad to see Fox. “I missed you,” he said.

“There was a big storm. It was windy, and dark. I was scared.”

He paused.

“Fox,” said Roy, “I had the strangest dream...”

The End.

Elmwood Farm Studio 330 Melvin Heights Rd. Camden, Maine 04843 elmwoodfarmstudio@gmail.com