Cruising In Pinecraft
Pinecraft is a unique hamlet in southwest Florida and a part of Sarasota, Florida. Bordered on the east by a subdivision called Homecraft, together it is called Pinecraft. As indicated by the paintings Plat map background, it was originally called “Sarasota National Tourist Camp” prior to 1925. Mennonites and Amish were originally drawn to the area by a hunting and fishing trips. The first trip from Ohio was made in a modified 1919 REO Speed Wagon.
Pinecraft has a rich history and today is a nation-wide destination for Amish and Mennonite communities to vacation during the northern “winter” months. My 6-month visit to Sarasota had me in Pinecraft almost every day. I met and developed relationships with many from all over the country. Interestingly, there are many differences in the Amish and Mennonite communities and are easily exampled in women’s clothing, style of head coverings and the shape and style of men’s straw hats. Their journey to Pinecraft is primarily by bus or private driver. However, I have met Pinecraft Amish visitors on plane trips as well. Local transportation is mostly by bicycle, tricycle or golf cart. A rapidly growing trend is the bikes and tricycles are powered by electric motors.
This painting contrasts the early beginning of Pinecraft and some unique aspects such as the celery fields, with an elderly old order Amish couple I met on a side-by-side electric tricycle. I did not paint faces on the couple representing the Amish desire not to have their picture taken and the fact that I met so many incredible people that I wanted the painting to reflect a snapshot of a lifestyle and not a particular person.