NOVEMBER, 2019 - IN INK NEW YORK MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2019 Complimentary PROFILING CREATIVES AND UNIQUE DESTINATIONS IN NEW YORK & ABROAD.

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A place thriving with individual expression

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SKIDMORE.EDU

CeNter Stage

NOVEMBER 2019

The Train You Cannot Ride But You Can Power Its Journey! pg. 4

PUBLISHER / FOUNDER Stephanie Sittnick

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Rona Mann

WEBMASTER Tony Rivera

ADVERTISING SALES

Nature? Nurture? Or Both?

Jill Fishon-Kovachick

Stephanie Sittnick - Director of Sales 860.227.8199 advertising@inkny.com

– Ceramic Artist & Collector

Chelsea Moore - Capital Region 518.949.9630 chelseamoore@inkny.com

pg. 12

CONTRIBUTERS Carol St.Sauveur Ferris, Karen Richman, Chandler Stevens, Vanessa G. Ahern, Rona Mann, Joseph Raucci Adirondack Winery, Nettle Meadow Farm

Welcome to IN INK Magazine!

Of Tails, Trails and Dreams

For the last 14 years I have been a publisher in Connecticut. I have recently married and moved to Saratoga Springs, New York.

While on one of my many adventurous day trips getting to know the area, I stopped into a coffee shop. I struck up a conversaton with someone while in line about my recent move. This person said there is one word to describe Upstate New York...”Magical”

A “Penny” for Your Thoughts

pg. 20

I now believe that to be true as well. I have made the decision to continue publishing and have created IN INK. A monthly publication providing interesting and inviting stories profiling people, places, and experiences that speak to all of us. IN INK Magazine is best described as a boutique coffee table book designed to visually capture each reader with vibrant color and creative design. A “feel good” magazine with only positive intriguing editorial content and stunning images to sit back and enjoy.

Remaining An Artist, All Grown Up The Breathtaking Collage Art of Derek Gores

A Special Thank You to my wonderful, creative, and dedicated INK staff. Thank you for embracing my ideas and this publicaton.

It is truly an amazing feeling when a group has the same excited enthusiasm.

I hope you will embrace my passion for this publication. I love what I do, and I am excited to continue my adventure here in New York.

ENJOY! Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher

IN INK Magazine 587 Grand Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.InInkny.com INK New York LLC All rights reserved. All content of this publication including but not limited to text, graphics, and photos may not be reprinted or reproduced without written consent from the publisher. IN INK Magazine is not held responsible for graphics or images submitted for contribution to this publication. Every issue is printed using 100% Soy based ink.

www.InInkNy.com Vol 1 Issue 1

pg. 28

eNCore On the Farm Happy Critters. Great Cheese!

Nettle Meadow Farm and Artisan Cheese

Sweet Nostalgia

pg. 38

pg. 44

Getting a Leg Up On Thanksgiving

The Adirondack Vines

pg. 46

The Perfect Pairing For Any Holiday Celebration!

Red Carriage - Cranberry Infused Red Wine

November Events Events throughout New York

pg. 48

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The Train You Cannot Ride But You Can Power Its Journey!

By Rona Mann Photos by CP Holiday Train

This train is about to embark upon its journey, a long one that will take them hundreds, perhaps thousands of miles throughout two countries. This train will soon mark its 21st trip across North America.

It will be filled with food, but you can’t eat it. There will be entertainment at every stop, but you won’t be permitted to climb aboard to see and hear it, yet...you can still be in the front row when they perform to fully enjoy it.

For this is the CP Holiday Train, a train sponsored by the Canadian Pacific Railroad, that each year for the past two decades, has made a journey across North America to collect boxes, cans, and monetary donations for those who suffer from food insecurity.

Since its inception in 1999, the Holiday Train has raised more than $15.8 million (Canadian dollars) and collected more than 4.5 million pounds of food, an astounding statistic that prompted Canadian Pacific’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Keith Creel to say, “It is a privilege for CP to be able to run a program like this and to connect with so many communities across our network.”

The impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. Everything that’s raised in any one of the communities at which the Holiday Train stops, stays right in that community to help feed their local people and families. In addition, CP makes their own donation at every stop on the route.

CP operates in over 1000 communities, but of course it’s impossible for the train to stop in them all. The 12,000 CP employees fully support this holiday program since they are well aware that hunger is an issue that can, and does, impact their neighbors.

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So how, exactly, does this Holiday Train journey work?

At each stop along the way, the train arrives and pulls to a safe stop right in front of the crowd. While rides are not open to the pubic, you will see people onboard who represent CP employees and their families. When the train comes to a stop at a speciďŹ c location, the stage door lowers, and the onboard band opens with its ďŹ rst song.

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After that, a brief presentation takes place with local food bank officials and other dignitaries. Once complete, the band again resumes performing a mix of traditional and modern holiday songs.

Local people at each stop are asked to bring non-perishable food or a monetary gift, as there will be Food Bank representatives present, collecting all donations.

Once the band performs its final song, the stage door closes, and the train heads off to the next stop. When asked how the stops are chosen each year, CP personnel answer, “There are a number of factors that determine our schedule. We consider our entire network of track, and we will largely base our decision around the expected participation from the community. That includes the support of locally elected officials, participation from the food bank itself, and the willingness of their neighbors to come out and support this cause. We try to include as many communities as possible, and we do alternate the routes from one year to the next.”

There are, in actuality, two Holiday Trains that make this special journey. Each train is 1000 feet in length with 14 brightly decorated rail cars, all of which are festooned with hundreds of thousands of technology-leading LED lights and holiday designs evoking the giving spirit of the season.

Originally built in 1957, two GP20C 2200 series were rebuilt in 2013 to pull the CP’s two Holiday Trains. Each locomotive is powered by 2000 hp, is 56.02 feet in length, and weighs 275,000 pounds. Both the Canadian and U.S. flags are proudly displayed on the Holiday Trains as they travel across the network, raising food and funds to stock shelves in local food banks.

“To run a program of this magnitude for more than 20 years is a tremendous accomplishment for our CP family and a testament to our dedication to giving back to the communities where we work and live,” concluded Keith Creel. “It is our privilege to continue to partner with food banks across the network to share food, funds, and holiday cheer year after year.”

Ah yes, there is something about the holidays. And there has always been something about a train. There’s also something about a major international transportation company that takes the time, the manpower, and the heart to do this.

And there’s something about the people whom you will never meet, but whose cupboards and bellies and tables will benefit from you meeting this train...the one you can never ride.

Follow the 2019 Holiday Train’s route this season by visiting: www.cpr.ca

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Nature? Nurture? Or Both?

Jill Fishon-Kovachick – Ceramic Artist & Collector

By Carol St.Sauveur Ferris

Jill Fishon-Kovachick was born to two artists whose mediums could not have been more different. Her mom was a figurative artist, while her dad was a printer. Her mom’s artwork exposed Jill to organically expressing the human form in oil painting and sculpture.

Her dad’s printing business taught her the importance of order and precision. She had a normal kid’s life doing things that kids do, but whether it was nature or nurture, her interests leaned towards the arts.

At eleven years old, Jill attended an eight week summer program at Buck’s Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp in New Milford, Connecticut. Though terribly homesick that first year, Jill went back for many more summers as a camper, eventually enrolling in their CIT (counselor in training) program. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Known for its fundamental “creative thinking” approach to all programs, Skidmore was the perfect environment for Jill to

explore her love of the arts. She graduated in 1981 with a BS in Art Education. Later on she attended the Tyler School of Art for one year, then graduated in 1997 from Vermont College, division of Norwich University, with an MFA in Visual Arts. That same year Jill became an Adjunct Instructor for Special Programs at Skidmore College until the program’s demise in 2010.

In March 2011, Jill was inspired to establish a supportive art community and destination for and about clay artists. She purchased the Schuyler Adult Guest House, a former nursing home that was in foreclosure and set about transforming the interior into public and private studios, an educational facility, arts center, and gallery. Jill was totally hands on when it came to the actual renovation and with the creation of programs that would be offered. The building was completely gutted and utilities updated to handle the demands of kilns, wheels, and other equipment. It was renamed the Saratoga Clay Arts Center, and amazingly, it officially opened just three months later in June 2011.

Jill is now the Director of the Saratoga Clay Arts Center and is active as an instructor in many of the Center’s classes and programs. The faculty is comprised of six instructors including Jill, and there are 13 clay artists in residence. Classes of all kinds are held in the clay arts.

There are internship programs for recent graduates, adult and youth programs, workshops and private instruction, and even Clay Night Out and corporate team building opportunities.

The Center’s Schacht Gallery has year round exhibits featuring the work of diverse clay artists. A new exhibit has just been installed titled “Eloquent Vessel,” featuring the sophisticated and sensual work of Chris Gustin. Though she passed away in 2011, select pieces from the expansive work of Toshiko Takaezu, a world renowned clay artist, were on exhibit when the Clay Arts Center first opened. Takaezu was an instructor at Skidmore and a huge inspiration to Jill and her clay art.

In simple terms, clay can be described as a sticky substance comprised of earth mixed with water. There are many clay bodies or mixtures one can purchase. The various clay bodies are defined by the minerals, particulate matter, and debris found in the mixture which nature has

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a hand in from the start. For most clay artists, the basic types used include the more porous earthenware or common clay used for terra cotta pots and roof tiles; stoneware - a very hard and durable vitreous clay used to make dinnerware; and kaolin or white clay – considered the purest clay is used to make porcelain. Different temperatures and varying amounts of time spent in a kiln affect how clay will “mature,” which also contributes to how it will be used. The firing ranges span from a low fire of 1828 degrees Fahrenheit, to a high fire of 2345 degrees Fahrenheit. The addition of chemicals and glazes in the process adds to the uniqueness of an individual piece.

Jill’s clay art body of work is extensive and may be described as both organic and interpretive.

She states that, “my work is not only what you see on the outside, but what it feels like on the inside.” This artist has evolved tremendously since being a student at Skidmore, as her work is no longer influenced by student life and concerns.

“Who I am as a whole is what it’s about now.” And that whole is informed by all the stages of Jill’s life. In a manner of speaking, an evolved woman is the sum total of life events, her response to them, and the emotions that carry her through them. How she expresses herself is seen in her manner of speaking, gestures, presentation, and actions. Jill best expresses her life in clay.

In the past, Jill has created functional clay art.

One such piece, a working sink, can be found in her own home today. She is also an avid collector of other artists’ work which are on display throughout her home, continuing to inspire her. Most of what Jill creates are called vessels and aren’t necessarily considered

functional. They are one of a kind and come in all shapes and sizes. One such vessel on display at a gallery exhibition had a very narrow neck, causing a visitor to ask what could he possibly put in it? And that’s okay.

Sometimes the nuanced work of clay is difficult to understand. People usually understand function far more easily than an artistic interpretation of form and emotion.

Jill’s portfolio of work is extensive, consisting of all types of vessels using a variety of firing techniques including: High fire reduction, Raku, Salt fired, Saggar fired, Wood fired, and Cone 6. Each is unique, somewhat complicated, and can be very dangerous. One definitely needs to know what they’re doing and wear the proper protective attire.

To the novice, the process of creating clay art from the wheel through the kiln is awe inspiring. What follows is a mere glimpse into the different firing techniques Jill uses to create her beautiful pieces.

High fire reduction: uses a fuel fired kiln that restricts the flow of incoming air so there is just enough oxygen to burn the fuel but not interact with the glazes during maturation. It is a complicated process with specific chemical reactions fundamental to the desired outcome.

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piece of clay, which in and of itself is quite intimidating, but also requires an understanding of equal parts chemistry, a variety of metrics including pyrometrics, geology, and color theory to name a few. A healthy dose of observation, determination, and inspiration is helpful too. ceramic and can be filled with sawdust, salts, and metals to create dramatic markings and colorings.

Raku: the favored method of ceramics for the Zen Buddhist masters because it embodies their philosophy of simplicity and the natural state. It is a low fire kiln process using low fire glazes. When the piece has cooled somewhat, it can be plunged in cold water creating a crackled effect. Though the Buddhists used them in tea ceremonies, it is recommended that Raku pieces only be used for their decorative beauty.

Salt fired: a process whereby salts or sodium are introduced in the final phases of firing.

The result is a glazed like finish without using glazes and can have the appearance of orange peel. The interior of Salt fired pots must be fully glazed since the salt air will not reach deep inside.

Saggar fired: a process using a saggar, which is a ceramic container that holds the piece to be fired and protects it from flame, gasses, smoke, and debris in the kiln. Saggars can be made from other materials besides

Wood fired: a process to fire clay in a wood fired kiln.

The proper flame height, firebox size, and oxygen levels are crucial to the final outcome. The wood ash that is generated during the firing can create beautiful patterns on the final product.

C one 6: a term that describes an actual pyrometric cone, a glaze, or kiln firing temperature. When a potter uses this term, it can mean all of the above, but usually refers to the heat-work – a combination of time and temperature. A cone is made of carefully formulated ceramic material as the item being fired. It is shaped like a small, slender pyramid and placed on shelves inside the kiln. As the kiln reaches the proper temperature, the cone will soften and the tip will slowly bend. The higher the cone number, the more heat it requires to bend. The cone helps the clay artist visually manage the final outcome of their piece during firing.

The incredible amount of time, thought, energy, and materials it takes to create a clay piece is mind boggling. It not only requires the talent and skill to shape, sculpt, or form a

Jill Fichon-Kovachick possess all of the above and then some. Her clay expressions are tactile, organic, and emotional as is the world around us. She has a gift that allows her to use the emotions of the day and her clay of choice to craft a vessel that results in a one of a kind, in the moment, work of art. How you the observer defines and interprets it is up to you, but at minimum, each piece should inspire appreciation and great admiration for Jill and her work.

www.jillkovachick.com

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Saggar fired

Salt fired

raku

Cone 6

Wood fired

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Eric Seplowitz

Fine Art Photography

Leading Edge

Crystal Deposits

www.ericseplowitz | instagram: @eseplowitz | fb: @ericseplowitzphotography

Awakening

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Of Tails, Trails and Dreams A “Penny” for Your Thoughts By: Carol St.Sauveur Ferris Photos by: Stacey Phillips R&S Photography

Born to a career captain of oil tankers, his first mate in life and his one girl crew, Penny Senor’s British family traveled the world for years, landing in Singapore where Penny was born. Like so many parents, they had big dreams for their girls, and for Penny it was all about playing the violin. From Singapore to Connecticut, she learned from the best instructors, including the wife of the first chair at the Metropolitan Opera. But Penny had dreams of her own. Between lessons and schoolwork she filled her free time playing with Barbie dolls and Breyer horses, even pretending to be a horse herself on occasion. This wasn’t just make-believe.

Instead of playing the violin, she dreamed of riding horses and hopefully calling one her own someday.

During the summer, between eleventh and twelfth grade, her dad’s job moved the family from Connecticut to Maryland.

Realizing that relocating his high school age daughter would be difficult and possibly a traumatic event, Penny’s dad made her a deal. If she applied herself to her education and smoothly transitioned from her Connecticut high school to a new school in Maryland, then he would lease her a horse.

Well, say no more! Penny focused on her goal of having her own horse and was determined to do well in her new school. It wasn’t long before it was out with the violin and in with a wonderful leased Quarter Horse named Kent. Several years later, Geoffrey, an Off the Track Horse Thoroughbred, who stood 17.1 hands tall, became the new horse in Penny’s life. By the time she went to the University of Maryland to study animal science, she was a talented equestrian and tough competitor, and it came as no surprise to anyone that she was named captain of the Terrapins

equestrian team. Many trophies and ribbons later, and with a BS in Animal Science, Penny and Geoffrey were set to take on the horse world and make a move to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Penny quickly found a job as store manager at Triangle Horse Sports - a tack shop in Raleigh owned by Gilles Cassavant who was once a Grand Prix rider for the Canadian Equestrian Team.

She worked hard and learned the business while riding and caring for Geoffrey during her free time. It wasn’t long before Penny and Geoffrey became a family of three when the owner gave her a baby horse, or foal, she named Thumper. Watching Thumper grow into a beautiful horse that she would eventually ride was a joy.

Unfortunately Geoffrey was kicked by another horse while out in the field one day and had to be put down. At the time Thumper was still too young to ride, so Penny’s dad made her another deal.

He agreed to buy her a new horse on one condition. Going forward, she would now have to assume the cost to board, care, and maintain the horse. Madison, a Thoroughbred Cross, joined Penny’s little family. Penny broke and trained Madison, showed

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her, then sold her four years later. Thumper was now an “only child.” A Dutch, Warmblood Thoroughbred, he is a beautiful horse with a wonderful temperament and quite the pedigree. Thumper ’s maternal grandfather was American Thoroughbred racehorse, Secretariat, of Triple Crown fame; his paternal grandfather was the famous Jumper and Sire, Zeus; and last but not least, his father was Jupiter, a well-known Show Hunter horse.

While working with fellow horse lovers at the tack shop, Penny was introduced to horse hair jewelry by one of her customers. He made simple, interesting bracelets using horsehair from the tail of a horse and sold them through the shop. They were special, meaningful pieces, and over time, Penny learned what it took to make them and where to source the materials. When her customer decided to move on to the show circuit taking him to Florida, Europe, the Pan Am Games, and Canada, he sold his jewelry business to Penny and the owner of the tack shop for $5000.00. Eventually Penny became sole owner; and just like that, PonyLocks was born!

Pony Locks jewelry is entirely handmade and beautiful.

Penny describes it as “classic, not western style.” Most would agree. The pieces can be quite simple, using a single horsehair braid with a sterling silver clasp, or very elegant, with the addition of charms, sterling silver, and 14K gold details. Pearls and gorgeous beads can be selected from her amazing inventory and incorporated into a piece at the client’s request.

Penny’s extensive jewelry collection includes necklaces, stock pins, earrings, pendants, cuffs, bracelets, rings, keychains, hatbands, and belts. And for the fashion conscious horse, there are beautiful browbands as well.

As you might imagine, taking what is typically a very dirty and smelly bunch of hair from a horse’s tail, and producing a beautiful piece of jewelry, is like creating a silk purse from a sow’s ear. The process is both methodical and magical.

First Penny assigns a color to each order as they come in. When there are approximately 6-10 orders, she shampoos and conditions the horsehair until it is clean and soft. It may take several rounds of shampooing and conditioning before the hair is pristine and acceptable for braiding.

She then makes a tail with each order’s clean hair and attaches a colored embroidery thread matching the order’s assigned color. The tail is hung on a rack to air dry. Once dry, she takes down a single tail at a time and counts the horse hair strands, one by one, until she has the exact number of strands needed for the specific style of braid required for that particular order. The colored thread is retied to the counted tail and returned to the rack.

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26 When Penny is ready to work her magic, she takes one tail at a time and begins to braid. Having done this for so long she can tell, just by touch, whether there’s a miscount in the number of strands for a particular piece which makes for a less than perfect braid. On these rare occasions, she recounts, adds, or removes strands as needed. Being so particular and precise is one of the reasons why her jewelry is so admired and why she 100% guarantees the quality and workmanship of every piece.

Next, and depending on the client’s wishes, Penny will cut and shape sterling silver tubing for engraving that will be part of a bracelet or necklace. She has been doing this for so long that she now does all the engraving herself. It is perfection.

Once the hair is braided and the engraving is done, Penny assembles the piece to her client’s specifications. And if she happens to be working on one of her beautiful belts, she must carefully hand cut a long slot in the soft, supple leather, then insert and securely hand sew the horsehair braid before final assembly.

There are four types of braids Penny makes for her pieces – round, rope, square, or flat braid. Each piece uses one of these four, depending on the style of jewelry.

Penny shares that “certain braids hold up better than others,” thus the braid type used is entirely dependent on the style of jewelry ordered. Her braiding techniques are ones she’s developed over the years and are a closely held secret.

From receipt to shipping, each order takes about four to six weeks to complete, and any remaining horsehair will be returned to the client with their finished piece as well. During her busy season, good neighbor and friend, Stacey will do the washing, conditioning, and counting so Penny can focus on the rest.

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or the horse lover in your life with a beautiful piece, designed and handmade by Penny. Without a doubt, it will become a most treasured family heirloom.

And while all this hand work is going on, Penny is surrounded by her adoring crew - Chef, Frank, and Lego, 3 rescue dogs who have found a loving home with her, husband, Mark and son, Tyler.

And let’s not forget Rambo - a blue and gold Macaw she inherited from her parents who screeches, whistles, barks like a dog, and says hello with a British accent. Rambo also blushes every time Penny’s husband speaks to her. Yes, you read that right. Rambo is a girl. And a very sassy one at that. One might suppose that Penny’s father slipped Rambo into their last horse deal, and she forgot to read the fine print!

You can find Penny’s jewelry at select retailers countrywide including New Jersey, New York, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In addition, her Pony Locks booth can be found at many horse shows across the country including Fair Hill International in Fair Hill, MD; Washington International Horse Show in Washington, DC; and Equine Affaire in West Springfield, Massachusetts as well. Be sure to check out her website at www.ponylocks.com for the full schedule, ordering instructions and view images of the jewelry.

If you happen to attend or compete in one of the shows, look for Penny at the Pony Locks booth and learn all about this amazing jewelry. Then be sure to treat yourself

And you never know, it just might inspire another child’s dream.

Pony Locks - (919) 961-1841 ponylocks@yahoo.com www.ponylocks.com

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Remaining An Artist, All Grown Up The Breathtaking Collage Art of Derek Gores

by RONA MANN

with other artists, and loves to then share his work with others.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” ...Pablo Picasso “I make joy out of the joy of surprise,” muses Derek Gores matter-of-factly. Gores is both a nationally acclaimed and internationally known master of the fine art of collage, and he is most definitely one of the best. Yet it never seems to “get” to him, to give him attitude or a big head. He just loves to do what he does so well, loves to collaborate

Consider this a portrait of the artist as a middle-aged man, but one who is innately comfortable in his own skin, one who is still powered with unbridled joy at the prospect of creating art for, and collaboratively with, other people, and one who has reached a stunning level of success in his career, yet is still discovering and wide-eyed at the ongoing prospect of learning and growth.

We first met up with Artist Derek Gores this past summer at Reveal International Contemporary Art Fair that took place at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center just a

few months ago. Gores was on the road, as he frequently is, participating in major art shows nationwide, commissioned for work, always much in demand, and always exploring new ideas and collaborations.

Creating collage is a fine art indeed. It is at once both wild and exacting, random and specific, calculated and whimsical. Collages are tapestries, its individual pieces arranged to create harmony. Collage is a technique, a creative way of assembling different forms into a new whole. There are never two collages alike, that is both their truth and their mystery. The term was coined by Picasso from the French word “coller” which means to paste, stick, glue, affix...how appropriate! The pieces of a

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collage may be diverse ranging from newspapers and magazines to ribbons, photographs, portions of texts, and found objects. The true art comes when it is all “stuck” together. Knowing this is what powers Derek Gores!

Although this internationally heralded collage artist, Derek Gores, now lives on the Space Coast of Florida which he adores and considers home, he has strong ties to the Northeast. Born in Larchmont, New York in suburban Westchester County, Gores grew up in Massachusetts, not far from the famed Mohawk Trail and Henry David Thoreau’s beloved Walden Pond. As a child he always loved to draw, especially Star Wars characters.

Following in the steps of his father who was a floral designer, Derek also graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Providence, but did not pursue stems and blossoms. One of his first jobs was working for Liquid Blue, well known premier tee shirt screen printers.

He specifically honed his craft with designs for The Grateful Dead, producing the art that emblazoned their much in demand tee shirts. “It wasn’t just their name,” Gores says, “it was imaginative art borne from their lyrics. I had to change those lyrics and then translate it into something for the eyes, a completely different language.”

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Eventually Gores left Rhode Island and The Dead for Florida, craving greater opportunity from the art world. “I wanted to do more and more, but there is no path – no books on how to go about it, on how to become an artist.”

Finally, after pondering this for a time, Derek admitted, “I tend to stew on things, but I do look at all the possibilities.” So at age 37 he took the leap “and decided to create my own fine art. I wasn’t exactly sure how, but I knew I had to go for it.”

The first gift Gores gave himself was the gift of time. “I had a list that I needed to explore, so I decided I would give myself a year and make the art for me first before yielding to outside pressures.”

Ask Derek Gores how he labels his art, and he quickly responds, “I’m a collage artist. I recycle maps, magazines, newspapers, digital stuff. I go into hair salons, doctors’ offices, bookstores, anywhere there are magazines of all types. Friends frequently leave stuff on my doorstep, and somehow I turn it into my art,” he laughs.

At present Derek has a gallery in the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) section of Melbourne, Florida. Eau Gallie is a vibrant arts community in the northern part of the city which brings artists, musicians, actors, and dancers together. It is that collaborative effort that Gores enjoys and powers his work.

He continues, “A big part of my art is improvisation, inspired in the moment. Everyone starts out as an artist, it’s somehow back in your bones. Collage just makes you feel like a child again, there’s childlike wonder in that kind of art.”

Others in growing numbers have seen that wonder in Gores’ art.

Those who collect the Kentucky Derby’s official posters each year might remember the outstanding piece he created for the 139th running of the Derby. “More than Meets the Eye” is a testament to Derek’s torn paper collage technique which came together to depict bits and pieces of both the past and present.

The 2013 official artwork of the Derby has been deemed a virtual scrapbook of Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks memorabilia with hundreds of vintage imageries.

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Gores told the press, “It was a natural fit and a thrilling challenge to work on the Kentucky Derby project. It allowed me to capture the power and muscle of the race, the fashion and fun of the event, all while recycling elements like race programs, tickets, stats, fan photos, and of course, a mint julep recipe or two.”

Derek is in good company, as other past official Kentucky Derby artists include Leroy Neimann, Peter Max, Boguslaw Lustyk, and Peter Williams.

With growing notoriety in the sporting world, Gores was also commissioned to create six large collages for the Amway Center, home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic; and additionally, he has created work for ESPN and the National Football League.

Perhaps Gores’ greatest visibility came two years ago when he was commissioned by Playboy Magazine to create the cover of their limited edition tribute issue honoring late founder, Hugh Hefner. Derek had sent Playboy a note and some samples of his art after Hefner’s passing,

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thinking that the magazine would be doing something special to commemorate and memorialize their founder’s life. The magazine’s response came just two hours. They were more than interested!

Gores remembers, “they gave me complete creative freedom. They sent me a couple of photos to be the main image. I picked the most iconic one, to my knowledge, Hefner with the slight wry smile, a pipe up to his lips.”

The photo and its background seemed too dark, so Derek decided to brighten it with vintage colors.

He highlighted it with aqua blue, a popular color in 1953, the year the magazine was launched. Much of the cover consisted of torn paper from actual magazines Playboy sent. He supplemented these with larger elements from the famous Andy Warhol bunny and tiny pieces of interviews, music, movie reviews, stories, cartoons, and little hints of the centerfolds of former Playmates.

At present, Gores’ work is exhibited in some eight to ten galleries throughout the United States, Paris, and Quebec. He is innately curious, always exploring new opportunities and new collaborations with other artists such as working live with musicians or “with a poet with a typewriter. Creating a live experience brings forth a mingling of the senses,” says Derek. He pauses, then adds, “It’s also good business.”

Like most artists who would rather immerse themselves in creativity, Gores always had to be somewhat mindful of the business side of his art. “The early years were frantic, but now I’m in a position where I can pursue deeper what I really want to achieve. I would like to one day have a good sized studio and a separate place for my gallery in Melbourne,” but for now I have no regrets. Not one. I like to think about that lyric from This is the Sea by the Irish Waterboys. ‘That was the river, this is the sea – all leads to now.’ Like a lot of artists, I work in images, but I try and find the words as well...and then we meet in the middle.”

This, then, is Derek Gomes - a successful artist who is quite comfortable in his own skin and the place he is in right now.

Creating, collaborating, and never having a regret. He was an artist from childhood and still is, even though he’s all grown up.

Picasso would certainly approve.

More info at derekgores.com and @derekgores on instagram.

UPCOMING EXHIBITS: December 3-8, 2019 SCOPE Art Fair with DG Gallery, South Beach Miami,

Ongoing representation at the following galleries: Thinkspace Gallery - Los Angeles Roman Fine Art - Montauk NY Parlor Gallery - Asbury Park Eisenhauer Gallery - Martha's Vineyard Charlestown Gallery - Charlestown Rhode Island ArtClub France - Paris Galerie Beauchamp - Quebec

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Seeing the Potential, Not the Realities It’s Happy Critters & Great Cheese at Nettle Meadow Farm and Artisan Cheese Story and photos by Nettle Meadow Farm

In May of 2005 Sheila Flanagan and Lorraine Lambiase took a trip to a small goat farm and cheese company in Thurman, New York, nestled in the shadows of Crane and Blue Mountains.

They had seen the location up for sale on the internet from their home in Oakland, California. Their California lives had revolved around their animal family members for years which included dogs, cats, and goats, and they had dreamed of finding a farm where they could spend more time at home with the critters they loved and move their occupations from the legal field to artisan cheese making.

The little farm in Thurman was a perfect fit for their tiny budget, and when they arrived to visit, they fell in love with the 30 plus goats and dilapidated structures. They saw the potential, not the realities.

They put in an offer on the property and went back to California, gave their notice at work, and put their house on the market. In July of that year, they packed their belongings and their critters and headed for Thurman.

Over the next few months it became apparent how much work they had truly taken on. They bought more goats and worked diligently to find more pipelines to New York City and Boston to increase the cheese they sold. Sheila started working remotely for her Oakland law firm to help pay the bills for the infrastructure that needed stabilization at the farm and to expand the cheese plant. They worked very hard, and bit by bit they were able to add staff and new lines of cheese to their inventory, all the while gaining acclaim for Kunik (goat & cow cream triple crème); Honey Lavender Fromage Blanc (all goat fresh cheese); and Three Sisters (sheep, goat, and cow milk crottin) early on. They opened the farm for tours on Saturdays and soon built a reputation for humane animal care. Before long, people began calling to see if they could take

on cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, pigs, birds, and more. They continue to take in as many critters as they can without breaking the farm’s fragile budget.

As time has gone by, they have added more exceptional cheeses to their lineup, with Briar Summit (sheep, goat, and cow milk double crème pyramid); Sappy Ewe (sheep and cow milk with maple infusion and vegetable black ash); and washed rind cheeses like Amber Kunik (Kunik washed in Adirondack Ale and whiskey).

Awards continue to stack up.

Orders continue to grow, and these days they are producing 160,000 pounds of cheese per year. Still, Nettle Meadow’s principles have remained the same. Sheila and Lorraine and their remarkable staff have stayed true to their artisan principle, pouring every piece of cheese by hand, packing every cup by hand, and caring for each bloomy or washed rind wheel, one piece at a time in their Adirondack stone aging cellar.

And their mission has remained the same with so much of each year ’s proceeds from sales going right back to the sanctuary animals on the farm. You can visit the farm, sample their many award-winning cheeses, and meet all of the wonderful sanctuary animals every Saturday at noon.

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the Nettle Meadow award List (thus far!)

2019 Sappy Ewe – 1st Place, U.S. Cheese Championships Kunik – 2nd Place, U.S. Cheese Championships, New York State Fair Award of Excellence Simply Sheep – 2nd Place, U.S. Cheese Championships, New York State Fair Award of Excellence Amber Kunik – Silver Sofi for non-cow mixed milk cheese, Specialty Food Association Briar Summit – 2nd Place, American Cheese Society, and 2nd Place New York State Fair

2018 Kunik – Good Food Award & Silver Medal, New York State Fair Briar Summit – 3rd Place, World Cheese Championships & 2nd Place American Cheese Society Sappy Ewe – 2nd Place American Cheese Society Slate Ridge – 3rd Place, World Cheese Championships Simply Sheep – 3rd Place, World Cheese Championships Honey Lavender Fromage Blanc – Award of Excellence, NY State Fair Nettle Meadow – People’s Choice Award, The Great Northeast Cheese Fest

2017 Briar Summit – 1st Place, U.S. Cheese Championship Sappy Ewe – 2nd Place, U.S. Cheese Championships Three Sisters – 4th Place, U.S. Cheese Championships Kunik – 2nd Place, American Cheese Society

2016 Kunik – 1st Place, World Cheese Championships & Silver Medal, New York State Fair Apple Cider Fromage Frais – 1st Place, World Cheese Championships & 2nd Place, American Cheese Society Peppered Ewe – Gold Medal, New York State Fair

2012 Three Sisters – 2nd Place, American Cheese Society

2010 Kunik – 1st Place, American Cheese Society

2008 Honey Lavender Fromage Blanc – Silver Sofi, Specialty Food Association

More information? Visit www.nettlemeadow.com

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INSTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT>>

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Getting a Leg Upon Thanksgiving

by Karen Richman

Roz and I were robbed...every single year of our youth.

Thanksgiving was normally spent at Uncle Sid and Aunt Bea’s home. They were the members of the family who had “made it.” They had a beautiful home in an exclusive section of northern New Jersey, and Thanksgiving dinner was served in a dining room filled with china and crystal with Rebecca the maid doing the serving honors. It took me a while to figure out how Rebecca knew when to magically appear to offer seconds or clear the plates; then I realized Aunt Bea had a secret button installed under the table. When she surreptitiously pushed it, it buzzed in the kitchen, and Rebecca appeared as though it were magic.

We weren’t a large family, but there were five girl cousins: me, Roz - daughter of Al and Corinne - and Sid and Bea’s three: Nancy, Barbara, and Liz. Liz was the youngest of the five, although I came right after her; yet it did me no good.

Every year when the turkey was presented on a silver platter, surrounded by oranges and giant cherries and looking like it came off the cover of Better Homes and Gardens, Uncle Sid would stand proudly poised to carve, loudly musing, “I wonder who will get the leg this year?” Then he would go through a lame ritual of picking a name out of a hat...and to no one’s surprise, it was always Liz! But there were two legs, right? Roz and I would look at each other in childish disgust because miraculously the “second prize winner” was always Barbara or Nancy.

“Not fair!” I would whine to my parents on the way home, but they told me it was Uncle Sid’s house and Uncle Sid’s turkey; and as guests we were expected to be gracious. The term “just suck it up” hadn’t been invented yet.

Years went by and nothing changed very much till we five cousins grew up, went off to college, got married, had children, and Thanksgiving was no longer held at Sid and Bea’s. They had gotten older (Bea now asked to be called “Beatrice” because, she sniffed, “at my age I don’t want to be referred to as a letter of the alphabet”); and many of us now lived “away.” So there were new traditions to establish.

It’s a funny thing about traditions; there really is no right nor wrong. Traditions may be traditional, offbeat, elegant, or quirky, but the one thing they all have in common is they are very, very personal...and not to be tampered with!

My friend, Judy, told me it was tradition in her family to always have creamed onions on Thanksgiving. Judy hated creamed onions, as did nearly everyone else in her family.

But they had been having creamed onions for so long that nobody could remember how it started or who it was that loved them so much, still every year Judy’s mother insisted, “We must have the creamed onions.”

My college roommate, Mary, was born, raised, and still lives in Cooperstown. One of her family’s Thanksgiving traditions was to have two kinds of cranberry sauce: her aunt’s homemade side dish, redolent of orange peel and cinnamon, and the jellied kind that comes in a can. “My Uncle Lou refused to eat it unless he heard that ‘twock’ noise as it slivered out of the can onto the plate,” she laughed.

Well, one year there was no laughing around Mary’s family table because Cousin Lena, who was responsible for bringing the canned side dish, did not. She simply forgot.

“What’s the big deal?” Mary’s father asked. “Hey, it’s Thanksgiving, we’re all together, let’s eat.” Uncle Lou folded his arms, stuck out his lower lip, and glowered, “So who’s hungry any more? I’m going into the den to watch football.” It took Cousin Jed jumping on his motorcycle and dashing off to the local Stewarts to get an overpriced can of that “jellied gold,” to motivate Lou’s return to the Thanksgiving table.

In our family, tradition meant Grandma’s platter. It was a giant oval hunk of cheap porcelain with depictions of turkeys all over its surface. The dish had a number of chips along the rim from years of use, so you had to be careful when handling it so as not to cut your fingers. Some of the turkeys had faded from being put in the dishwasher (Grandma would never have allowed that!), and it was very, very heavy. In truth, it was one ugly piece of serving ware, but my mother insisted we use it each year, so we did. No one really knows how it managed to slip out of my aunt’s hands when she was drying it one Thanksgiving in the ‘80s, but everyone rushed to get the dust pan to gather the shattered pieces, and not surprisingly, no one looked very sad at the loss.

Whatever your traditions are, enjoy them this Thanksgiving.

Preserve them, deal with them, laugh at them, and never forget them, for they are the fabric of your family – good or bad, right or wrong. They are your history. They are your legacy.

But, please, why not let someone else have the leg this year?

;OL

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The Perfect Pairing For Any Holiday Celebration!

Red Carriage - Cranberry Infused Red Wine Story and photos by Adirondack Winery

Every fall in the foothills of upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains, a familiar feeling fills the air. When the leaves start to change and the temperature drops, it can only mean one thing in this vacation village turned leaf-peeping getaway: the return of the area’s most desired holiday wine, Adirondack Winery’s Red Carriage.

infused sweet white wine that might one day give Red Carriage a run for its money – but there will always be a special place in the heart of wine drinkers across New York State who first think of Red Carriage when they think of the holidays.

You can find Adirondack Winery wines in 400 liquor stores and restaurants across New York State. To find it near you, go to adkwinery.com/wheretobuy Enjoy!

Roberto Cruz, Adirondack Winery HOLIDAY SPECIAL! Adirondack Winery is offering a special holiday gift for INK readers. Go to adkwinery.com and use code RED at checkout for $2 off per bottle of Red Carriage.

Tasting Rooms: 285 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845 4971 Lake Shore Drive, Suite 2, Bolton Landing, NY 12814

Donning a festive holiday label with a white horse pulling a red sleigh through the snow, this cranberry infused red wine is Adirondack Winery’s highest selling wine, despite only being available four months per year. It’s a semi-sweet, light-bodied red wine with natural cranberry flavor, balanced acidity, and natural tannins. “It pairs quite nicely with holiday ham or turkey dinners, and it makes an amazing mulled wine too,” says Sasha Pardy, co-owner and president of Adirondack Winery, which has two tasting rooms, in Lake George and Bolton Landing, N.Y.

“I’m not a big sweet wine drinker, but when you heat Red Carriage with cinnamon, nutmeg and other holiday spices, it really creates a fragrant and delicious holiday drink,” Pardy said.

It may come as a surprise to some Adirondack Winery customers, but Red Carriage was not always the incredible success it is today. The wine was one of Adirondack Winery’s first fruit infused wines, rolled out in 2008 when the winery first opened its doors. While it did feature a horse-drawn carriage on the label, the original label photograph was taken in the summertime on the streets of Lake George. (Horse-drawn carriages are a staple in Lake George village, one of New York’s most popular summer vacation destinations and what Thomas Jefferson called the “Queen of American Lakes”).

The wine was phased out temporarily in 2011 before making its triumphant return with a new and improved recipe in 2014, as the first of Adirondack Winery’s new line of holiday wines.

Today, the line also features Home Sweet Home, an apple pie

Holiday Cranberry Mulled Wine

Ingredients:

• 2 Cinnamon Sticks • 1 Bottle Red Carriage

• Brown Sugar • 1 Orange (for garnish)

Directions: In a crockpot, combine 1 bottle of Red Carriage with 2 cinnamon sticks and ¼ cup brown sugar (to taste). Warm for 2-4 hours, filling your home with its amazing spicy aroma!

Pour in a mug to enjoy, or make it extra special by serving it with brown sugar on the rim, garnished with orange slices!

NOVEMBER EVENTS November 2 Albany BUILT 2019. Our annual fall fundraiser which celebrates both local artists and the built environment of the capital regions is set to be as exciting as ever. Showcasing over 150 unique pieces by both well-known and undiscovered artists, it's an evening not to be missed.

Saturday, Nov 2, 2019 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. New York State Museum, 222 Madison Avenue Albany, NY Cost: $55 Under 35 $85 HAF Members $95 General Public

November 4-10 Saratoga Springs SARATOGA COUNTY RESTAURANT WEEK. Enjoy Saratoga's original Restaurant Week. Get a 3-Course dinner for just $20 or $30 plus tax & tip at participating Saratoga County restaurants! Start off with your choice of an appetizer, then choose from a menu of delicious entrees, and top it off with a decadent dessert! Some participating restaurants are offering lunch specials for just $10 plus tax & tip. Saratoga Restaurant Week is the perfect time to get out and try new restaurants in the Saratoga County. Reservations are suggested. Monday, Nov 4, 2019 until Sunday, Nov 10, 2019. Saratoga County, Saratoga Springs, NY Cost: $20 or $30 For more information and a list of participating restaurants/menus visit www.discoversaratoga.org/restaurant-week/

November 8 Saratoga Springs 8TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF H.O.P.E. GALA. Please join us for a Celebration of HOPE, including fantastic hors d'oeuvres, gourmet food stations, and delicious desserts. All soda, beer, wine, tea, and coffee are also complementary.

There will be a cash bar available for cocktails. Your donation of $100.00 per ticket includes fine foods, drinks, live music by the phenomenal Melissa Sgambelluri Band, a silent auction, a fantastic wine & lottery raffle, a photo booth, and a live auction! Proceeds benefit Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.), a non-profit organization in Saratoga County dedicated to assisting previously abandoned, orphaned, and neglected animals. Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) Friday, Nov 8, 2019 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Cost: $100.00 per ticket 518-428-2994

November 10 Glen Falls ARTISTS' PANEL DISCUSSION. Join us for a panel discussion with artists from Artists of the Mohawk Hudson Region moderated by Tony Hall, editor and publisher of Lake George Mirror. Five artists will provide insight and reflections of their work in response to climate change, a theme of the contemporary display. Free The Hyde Collection.

Sunday, Nov 10, 2019 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The Hyde Collection, 161 Warren Street Glens Falls, NY 12801 November 16 Saratoga Springs SARATOGA WINE AND CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL. Wineries and wine enthusiasts from across the region will gather for an unlimited sampling of dozens of fabulous wines of all styles and tastes. Then, buy bottles of your favorites, all for great prices!! We'll have distilleries and cideries too. All wine samples and the souvenir wine glass are FREE with your paid admission. Sat, Nov 16, 2019, 1:00 PM. Shop your way through a fabulous selection of tasty nibbles and treats, chocolates, cheeses and sweets. Take a stroll through our Candy Bar and receive free samples from fabulous chocolate makers.Then get some serious retail therapy done. Browse through fantastic mini boutiques featuring jewelry, clothing and more. Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY

November 17 & 19 Saratoga Springs A TEA PARTY TO TOP THEM ALL: THE NUTCRACKER TEA AT SPAC! One of the premier holiday events in the Capital Region, this event features excerpts of The Nutcracker performed by Northeast Ballet Company. The Nutcracker, a classic holiday ballet set to Tchaikovsky's 1891 score, tells the story of a little girl’s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers and an army of mice. First performed in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia, it has become an American classic since choreographer George Balanchine introduced his production in 1954 in New York City. In addition to the ballet excerpts, guests will enjoy a delicious tea service, to include savory and sweet treats. They can also shop for holiday gifts from exciting vendors, and can purchase raffle tickets for fun prizes, to include gift baskets and stuffed animals. Take pictures with costumed dancers mingling with the children and enjoy a special time with family and friends. There will be two 2019 Nutcracker Teas at SPAC: November 17th at 11:00AM, and November 19th at 3:00PM. SPAC 108 Avenue of The Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, 518.584.9330 For more information visit spac.org/event/nutcracker-tea/ November 19 - January 31 HUELITIC CODE: BY MICHELLE BOWEN. By transforming each letter of the English alphabet to color, Michelle Bowen’s Huelitic Code shatters the common notion that language is fundamental and fixed. In this exhibition, Bowen challenges deeply rooted social constructs and doctrines to explore the kind of world we have created through language – and shows where humanity can go when taken beyond its four walls. Artist Reception: Friday, November 22, 6-8pm Artist Talk: Thursday, December 12th 6:30 pmThe Arts Center of the Capital Region 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180 www.artscenteronline.org November 23 Albany ALBANY CENTER GALLERY'S ART DECO GALA. Join ACG in celebrating the arts and supporting its mission with its biggest fundraiser of the year! It will be a lavish soiree filled with swinging tunes, resplendent refreshments, and creative fun. It's going to be the "bee's knees" but you will have to come and see for yourself!

All proceeds raised from the Gala will benefit ACG in its mission: to promote and exhibit contemporary visual art produced by emerging and established artists living in the region, to inspire and provide enjoyment to an increasingly diverse audience, thereby contributing to the growth of our local community. Saturday, Nov 23, 2019 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Renaissance Albany Hotel, 144 State Street Albany, NY 518-462-4775. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit albanycentergallery.org/ArtDecoGala November 29-December 1 Glen Falls NORTH COUNTRY FESTIVAL OF TREES. Kick off the holiday season and start getting in the spirit with The North Country Festival of Trees at the Queensbury Hotel! Holiday decorations include gingerbread houses, stockings, centerpieces, wreaths, and fireplace mantel displays. Special event Gala is an elegant evening offering delectable food and fabulous entertainment. Center Stage features local talent performing throughout the Festival. A Children's Wonderland allows children to decorate Christmas cookies, make a holiday ornament, and a variety of other fun-filled activities. Children will have an opportunity to take a photo with Santa - the Star of the Festival! Friday, Nov 29, 2019 until Sunday, Dec 1, 2019. The Queensbury Hotel, 88 Ridge Street Glens Falls, NY 12801 November 29 - December 24 Saratoga Springs SMALL WORKS SHOW 2019. Spa Fine Art will be featuring an exhibit of small works by over 20 fine artists, just in time for Holiday gift giving! A variety of subjects and styles will be represented – surely a little something for everyone!

Select paintings will have special pricing for this limited time only. Spa Fine Art Gallery will hold annual Small Works Show, November 29th-December 24th 2019.

Spa Fine Art, 376 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more information about Spa Fine Art or the exhibit, please call 518-587-2411 or Spafineart@aol.com

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THE ARTS CENTER OF THE CAPITAL REGION 265 RIVER ST, TROY, NY 12180 | 518-273-0552 | www.artscenteronline.org