The Jam Hunt

We believe communities are a lot like jam. Community, like jam, is dependent on its natural surroundings. A community’s physical location is the first component of the character and identity of that community; it affects the sort of people that are located there, what type of industry exists, the entire folklife of that community is dependent on location. The same goes for jam. One has to use whatever fruits, berries, herbs or flowers that are available in the local region to make a delicious preserve. For example, a jam on the east coast might be made from wineberries, where a jam on the west coast may be made of salmonberries.

Both jam and communities require a lot of participation, everyone can contribute in one way or another. Berries need to be picked and smushed together, canning jars must be sterilized, sugar needs to be added, lemon must be squeezed and someone has to clean up the sticky mess afterward. Some may choose to work together for the entire process, taking turns in the picking, cooking and canning procedures.

For both of us, jam making is like creating a story; the finished product is something that can be shared, and the process is something that can be taught to others. We both came from different backgrounds, (Jonah grew up on a farm in Washington State while Liz grew up in a small, commuter town outside of New York City) but we share the same love for a lip-smacking, delectable jam. While we learned to make jam in different ways, (Jonah’s grandmother taught him while Liz learned from a cookbook) the entire process is something that we both enjoy and share with one another.

Once made and preserved, jam is something that can easily be shared and indulged in. We believe that communities are the same way, once preserved (recorded instead of canned!) the regional folklore, local and material lore, including local names for flora and fauna and topography; handed-down history (experiential and fictitious), group identity and place-based individual identity, and all of the emotions that are attached to the place can be shared and enjoyed by everyone.

This is why we are traveling from the top of Washington State to San Francisco, California, to pick the berries of communities along the way, hearing stories and lore and learning about the vibrant and flavorful communities that are close to us. We want to record everything we see, hear, touch, smell, taste and learn on our trip, becoming aware of this local life that surrounds us and then share these stories with others!