Dan Colen: A Revolutionary Approach to Farming

A visit to Sky High Farm, a forty-acre property in New York’s Hudson Valley, reveals artist Dan Colen’s unexpected career path.

The forty-five-year-old artist, a father of two, guides us through his farm, highlighting the natural cycles of life and growth. His perspective on farming is refreshingly unique.

Colen’s journey from the vibrant nightlife of early 2000s New York to his current life as a farmer is quite remarkable. A chance encounter years ago at a Fashion Week party foreshadowed their unlikely reunion on a working farm in upstate New York.

According to Colen, chef Matty Matheson’s assertion that farming represents the new punk rock is quite fitting.

Established in 2011, Sky High Farm donates all its produce to address food insecurity within the state. Last year alone, the farm distributed significant quantities of produce, meat, and eggs.

The farm’s commitment extends beyond food distribution; it provides financial aid to various organizations lacking access to traditional funding. Colen’s focus on local solutions for health and autonomy highlights his commitment to food sovereignty.

This summer, Colen will launch the first Sky High Farm Biennial, showcasing works from prominent artists and raising awareness for the Ben Wigfall estate. The biennial introduces a novel model for artwork sales, reflecting the artist’s social commitment.

Colen’s farming endeavors, far from being a secondary pursuit, are integral to his life and art. He grew up across the Hudson River from Manhattan, dreaming of a professional basketball career before recognizing art’s potential for self-expression.

Colen’s early career involved collaborations with fellow artists, marked by a vibrant, albeit sometimes reckless, lifestyle. The passing of a close friend prompted a significant shift in his priorities, leading to a focus on sobriety and artistic maturity.

The success of his art career provided the impetus for Colen’s decision to leave the fast-paced art world and establish Sky High Farm. This change represented a broadening of his artistic practice.

The farm’s name reflects a blend of playful irony and optimism, reflecting Colen’s approach to life and his vision for the farm’s mission. His immediate focus was on food donations to food-insecure communities.

Colen perceives a strong correlation between his artistic pursuit of equity and his work in ensuring everyone has access to healthy food. He sees this work as an ongoing journey.

The farm’s transition to a nonprofit status in 2016 represents a significant milestone, reflecting Colen’s commitment to his community.

Colen’s involvement in food relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy solidified his commitment to social responsibility. His commitment to Sky High Farm’s mission is deeply personal and transformative.

In 2022, Colen collaborated on the creation of Sky High Farm Universe, a fashion brand that funds the farm. This venture further expands the farm’s impact and outreach.

Colen’s multifaceted career as an artist, farmer, and fashion designer is both unique and challenging, yet deeply fulfilling. He views this as an ongoing experiment in living.

A striking portrait of Colen’s partner breastfeeding their child serves as a central piece in his studio, reflecting the personal and artistic connections to his farm.

Colen views Sky High Farm as his personal expression of utopia, an ongoing endeavor to create a more equitable and sustainable world.