Art

This, is my season…

/ Sandi Knight / 2 Comments
Sandi Knight Photo — The Trans Canada Trail, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada

This, is my season…

I love the cool starts. When crisp morning walks awaken the senses and refresh the spirit. When I sit on my deck, steam wisping away from my coffee as I hold the warm mug in both hands. When hummingbirds flit past me, gathering nectar to fuel up for their long journey south. When both summer and migrating backyard birds take turns splashing about in the bird bath. When a gentle breeze whispers promises through the leaves of trees awaiting their fall make-over. When flowers are vibrant and bright, alive with butterflies & bees. When I pause to appreciate and soak in the beauty surrounding me.

I love the warm, sunny afternoons. When sandhill cranes circle high above, and I hear their distinct, rattling, throating call. When the steady hum of combines can be heard in the distance, gathering the season’s bounty. When the garden is full of fresh produce to gather for dinner & preserve for winter. When a snack can be grabbed as I walk by the apple tree. When I can fit in a last-minute beach walk or hike with a friend. When our dog rolls happily in the shade in lush, cool, green grass. When the sky is bright blue and wispy clouds float seamlessly through it.

I love the rainy days. When the dust of summer is washed away, brightening up the landscape. When it’s cool enough for soup; for turning on the oven to transform forgotten bananas into mouthwatering muffins. When I grab my favourite sweater & make a cup of tea. When I call friends to catch up or make plans to get together. When the dog curls up beside me on the couch as I read a book. When I slow down, pause, rest & reflect.

I love the evening walks. When harvest sunsets take my breath away. When a cricket symphony plays in the background. When migrating geese & swans fly overhead in their shifting ‘V’ patterns. When the moon rises to the east as the sun slips away in the west. When darkness comes just a little earlier. When the stars appear by one-by-one until they form a twinkling net from horizon to horizon. When I hear the soothing, rhythmic call of great-horned owls. When I sit on our deck for just a little bit longer because I don’t want the day to end.

This, is my season…🍂

This…is my season.

/ Sandi Knight / Leave a comment

A poem written last September. The sentiments remain the same; fall will forever be my favourite season. Happy Autumn Equinox!

This…
is my season.

When the morning air is crisp and cool;
walks refreshing, invigorating.

When fog rolls across prairie fields,
then slowly lifts as the sun rises.

When steam rises from my morning coffee,
as I pause on my deck to soak in the beauty.

When autumn twirls her brush with a flourish,
her palette rich with gold, amber, scarlet, auburn.

When fashion-forward trees shed their coats of green
we waited so eagerly to see just a few shorts months ago.

When painted leaves dance down to the ground,
as the wind nudges them to let go and fly.

When the greys and brown of tree branches and bark
are highlighted against the fresh autumn canvas.

When flowers deepen and brighten in colour,
hosting hummingbirds and bees for a final fall feast.

When the sky is a deep, clear, azure blue,
filled with migrating birds calling out their goodbyes.

When the sun reluctantly slips away earlier,
but with vibrant hues of harvest orange and red.

When change is in every direction
yet welcome, soothing and comforting.

This…
is my season.

Sandi Knight © 2023

Softness in the morning light

/ Sandi Knight / 10 Comments

There was a softness in the morning light. A feeling of calm, of peace, of hope.

Overnight, frost had painted the sleeping trees. The waking sun casually spashed soft pastels onto the canvas of clouds rolling by.

She abandoned her coffee, pulled on her boots and jacket, and opened the door. The air was crisp, refreshing — it helped clear the fog of the week’s heaviness from her mind.

She wandered through the yard, paused to watch the sunrise, admired the white crystals coating the landscape. How lucky she was to be surrounded by this beauty. To have calm envelope her, while the world seemed to swirl in chaos and uncertainty.

She raised her camera with hopes of capturing not only the view, but the feeling, the emotion of the moment. She couldn’t change the world, but maybe, just maybe, she could brighten someone’s day by sharing this soothing view. And if nothing else, she would be documenting the memory for herself. A photo to look back on, to recreate that feeling whenever she needed it.

Agvocating through art

/ Sandi Knight / Leave a comment

Originally published in the July 13, 2017  issue of the Manitoba Cooperator

As farmers we don’t often have the opportunity to celebrate and showcase the crops we grow. So, when the opportunity arises, why not take it?

Earlier this year, our local arts centre asked for exhibit ideas for their boardroom gallery. Considering 2017 is canola’s 50th anniversary, I suggested a display of pictures, products and facts to celebrate. It was built around a blog post from last July entitled, Simply Canola, and inspired by the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum in Ottawa. The museum is commemorating Canada’s 150th birthday and Canola’s 50th anniversary with a nation-wide travelling exhibition, “Canola: A Canadian Story of Innovation” as well as an on-site exhibit, “Canola! Seeds of Innovation.”

Leanne Campbell photo

By far, canola is one of the most recognized crops we grow. There is no doubt it is the shining star of agriculture across western Canada every summer when it blooms. It isn’t unusual to see people stopping alongside the road to snap a picture, or take a ‘selfie’ against its gorgeous sea of yellow. Even those of us who grow it, are taken in by the allure of those bright and beautiful blossoms. Case in point – my extensive collection of photos from 2016.

With less than two percent of Canadians living on farms, there is a huge disconnect between food producers and consumers. Surveys show consumers want to learn more. We’ve been advised to tell our story, our way. So why not tell it through art? Especially when you can celebrate a crop many people are familiar with on a visual level.

Simply Canola is a pictorial diary of the canola we grew on our farm last year. Twenty-six photos, displayed in date order, give a tour from emergence to harvest, from close-ups to landscapes to sunsets. I’m hoping they convey the pride we take in growing this iconic prairie crop. A display case with canola, a sample of products made from it and bright yellow note cards with canola facts add an element of education to the display.

Jennifer Dyck photo

Canola is so much more than a pretty backdrop on the prairie landscape under the summer sun. The impact it has had in Canada and around the world in just 50 years is astounding. As the world’s only “Made in Canada” crop, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to agvocate and celebrate it with my photography in our local community. To date feedback has been positive and encouraging, both from consumers and those in the ag industry.

If you are in Portage la Prairie, please stop by and enjoy our farm’s views and vistas of Simply Canola. The exhibit is on display at the Portage and Districts Centre (11 2 St NE, Portage la Prairie, MB) from June 20th – August 5th in the Boardroom.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00am to 5:00pm     Click here for directions.      (Note: Boardroom Gallery closed Wednesdays 12:30pm-3:30pm)  

Comments on “Simply Canola” 

“Who knew? Well done!”

“Beautiful, picturesque and educational.”

“Thank you – for this great contribution to the industry.”

“Excellent way to capture beauty and education.”

“I learned so much about canola!”

“Beautiful memories of home.”

“Lovely…and educational.”