Man in the Field: The Life and Art of Jim Denevan

Man in the Field follows Jim Denevan, a land artist who also works as a chef, as he travels the United States in a quiet, contemplative tempo. The film chronicles how he turns open landscapes into temporary stages for communal meals and site-specific installations that emphasize sustainability and hospitality. Across deserts, fields, and coastlines, Denevan curates edible forms that honor the land and the people who gather around them. The narrative gracefully contrasts moments of solitary preparation with the intimacy of a shared meal, underscoring how art, cuisine, and place can coexist without the trappings of a conventional gallery or restaurant. There are no grand confrontations, only patient exploration and generous improvisation.

Directed by Patrick Trefz and created by Jesse Carfield, the documentary centers on Jim Denevan with appearances by fellow chefs and artists. The film leans into Denevan's evolving practice that blends landscape art with edible hospitality.

Box office data for this documentary is not publicly reported, reflecting a limited release and niche audience rather than wide commercial exposure.

Audience and critics respond to the fusion of art and sustainable dining, noting the film's calm pacing and thoughtful portrayal of how solitary creation can become a communal experience. The themes revolve around place memory and the generosity of shared meals.