Nancy Barnhart
I landed a job in Stehekin to teach cross-country skiing in December of 1973. I tell everyone I did it backwards. I stayed two winters in a row then full time after that. Most folks get work in the summer with high hopes to stay longer. The beauty and remoteness of the place drew me in immediately. I grew up in New England with an adventurous and athletic family. We skied, sailed, hiked, explored the woods near our house, ice skated, played several school sports and spent many a vacation in quiet dramatic places, either in the mountains or on the ocean. To balance out the rigorous physical activity, I often stuck my hands into the art drawer in the kitchen. Mom kept a small collection of art supplies there for us to tinker with. Whether it be painting homemade holiday cards or knitting sweaters for my tiny teddy bears, I truly enjoyed the pleasures of creativity. My Mom taught me how to knit at an early age. My maternal grandfather painted watercolors and my paternal grandfather loved to photograph birds. Between the three of them I felt inspired in my youth to pursue a variety of artistic mediums. As a teen, I chronicled family outings on film. In college I experienced painting, sculpture, ceramics and drawing. Later, I took an adult education class on photography. When I moved to Stehekin and married, I studied photography with my husband and gained hands on experience in addition to talking with other photographers, and reading books. Today, I continue to remain physically active. This keeps me fine tuned to focus my eyes and hands on my creativity.
Pause
Color photograph, 11” X 17”
When I cam upon this ice structure I had to stop. I stared. I stood still. I listened to the
sound of my breath blend with the song of water falling. I let the scene take me in.
Through the icicles, the creek view blurred, yet I felt clarity in my mind. The icy mesh
pattern amused and fascinated me. How stunning to think that the moisture from the
creek, along with just right temperatures, could form such an elegant sight.
$155 Matted, unframed, Shipping $15
Stehekin River Jewel
Color Photograph, 6” X 12”
It’s rare that we have a cold spell for very long in Stehekin. When we do, I marvel at any
and all ice formations I see. This particular log and limbs near it each had icy jewels
dangling above the water surface. Some were even dancing to the wind with the river
orchestrating current sounds.
$75 Matted, unframed, Shipping $12
Northwest Wind
Hand knit, embroidered hat
100% wool, fleece lined, Specialty buttons
In the summer months, the prevailing wind comes from the northwest. I knew when I
added blue to this hat I would embroider imaginary wind designs and branches bending.
$60, Shipping $10