Life in the Finger Lakes is GOOD!

We are surrounded by an abundance of local farmers, organic markets, and even the chain grocery stores supply us with locally grown produce, especially at this time of year. The summers up here are not as hot and humid as the central NJ area where I’m originally from, and nights often dip down into the high 50s or low 60s – something unheard of “back home” – which makes for awesome sleeping weather. Our fall season brings a glorious display of color to the rolling hills, and winters, of course, give us our share of snow which is always surrounded by the wonderful smell of fireplaces burning. While the gray days can get tiring come February, there is beauty in the “snow shadows” at all times of day. Not to mention the beauty of the lakes themselves.

How could an artist *not* be inspired living here? When my husband, Paul, and I talked about moving away from the overpopulated NJ/NY/eastern PA area in 2003, we contemplated several states, but wherever we relocated to had to have employment for him. The move was also a somewhat scary one for me, as it meant leaving behind my 17-year career, my steady income, so that I could finally focus on my artwork full time. I’m happy to say that the past 4 years in Marcellus have been good ones. The folks who live in the upstate NY/Central NY area are very welcoming (as proven by Chris Briel inviting me to take part in Dr. Kiltz’s website). The pace is slower but not too slow. We are rural, and yet we’re cosmopolitan. In 20 minutes you can go from the hopping nightlife of Armory Square in Syracuse to the scenic hills of Lafayette and Tully. I love living in the center of the best of all worlds. It’s clean and when our windows are open the breeze smells good. I don’t smell car fumes or city smells. It smells natural, fresh and real.

My artwork represents my love of nature and architecture, and I work in a variety of mediums including fabric, photography and paint. Pictured above is a piece titled “Snow Shadows” highlighting how snow is not really pure white… the long, late afternoon shadows can actually be seen as shades of blue and purple. Although some people have told me that they see moonlight beaming through those woods, enjoy, however you interpret it. And to paraphrase a photography contest’s theme that I once won an award in, “Be a tourist in your own county.” Take some day trips this summer. Drive around the lake with your camera and stop at some of those farm stands. Check out the beauty of the wild orange day lilies and periwinkle chicory now in bloom. Enjoy the Finger Lakes as they are not being rapidly developed as some other areas of this country.

Holly Knott
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