Wrapped in white
Snow is falling gently, steadily;
frost envelopes our world.
Mother Nature is creating
an extraordinary canvas.
Nudging us to press pause,
take in and admire her beauty.
Everything wrapped in white,
so calm, still, ethereal…
Offering peace and tranquility
I wish the whole world could feel.
Sandi Knight © 2024
January 24, 2024 was a serendipitous, ‘big magic‘ kind of day. I was writing the first draft of a story about a young women wandering into a mossy forest.
“She took a few deep breaths and felt her body relax. She was almost there. Her special place. Her retreat from the world. Where sunlight filtered magically through the towering trees, dancing on the moss and the rocks in the clearing. Where bluebells blossomed. Where she felt at home.“
At the same time Kathy Bradshaw was finishing her captivating piece of art, entitled, “I can smell the moss”. Neither of us knew what the other was doing. Two days later, this ‘creative collision’ opened the door to collaborate and enter the Canadian Encaustic International Online ‘Waxing Poetic’ Exhibition.
From Kathy’s artist statement: “There is nothing like breathing in forest air – its intoxicating mix of moss, earth, decay, cedar and pine. A forest’s lush array of colours and textures weave a visual feast. There is mystery, there is darkness, and oh there is light. It is the sensual, mysterious and dreamy nature of encaustic that allows me to tell this story best. I also consider Sandi Knight’s touching poetry/prose piece to be the perfect extension of my painting.”
Thank you Kathy for your kind words, support and the opportunity to showcase my poem alongside your enchanting, mossy, sunlit forest.
She brought the painting to Gran’s room,
hung it where it could be viewed from the comfort of the bed,
remembering the first time they wandered down, what would become, their favourite woodland path…
Large, lush ferns lined the narrow trail,
sentinels to a sacred spot.
The clearing opened before them,
so welcoming, so magical…
Sunlight danced playfully
on the moss-covered forest floor.
Spring was ebbing into summer,
the greens rich, vibrant, varied.
Bluebells softly swayed
in grass beneath the towering trees.
They paused, taking it all in,
entranced by this mystical oasis.
Gran awoke, surprised to see Sarah at her bedside.
Her face lit up, her gaze moving slowly from granddaughter to canvas,
“Oh Sarah dear, it’s as if I’m there! I can see the bluebells. I can feel the breeze. I can smell the moss.”
Sandi Knight © March 2024
4″ x 5.5″ Blank Note Cards — $4.00 Currently selections from this series are available at Inspire Studio in Minnedosa, The Little Red Barn and Prairie Fusion Gift Shop in Portage la Prairie, or by contacting me.
“You might think this is just a blank card, but to me, it’s a piece of art that you are sharing. Sandi has the ability to capture emotion with her unique perspective and frame of reference which inspires joy and happiness when you look at her cards.”
“I love giving a beautiful card with my own inspiring message on the inside. These are perfect for sending out to those you love for all special occasions.”
“Lovely, unique, high quality cards showcasing the beauty of the local landscape. A wonderful way to brighten some’s day, or to frame and keep.”
*Printed in Canada on FSC certified archival paper, manufactured responsibly with a reduced effect on the environment.
Whether on quiet country walks, in our farmyard or on a favourite trail, my camera is always close at hand. Documenting and sharing moments in time from our family farm in rural Manitoba is an integral part of my daily life. More images can be found on Instagram @sandiknight.
Florals
From our farmyard, the open prairies, rural roadsides and a friend’s garden, these captures represent the beauty and joy flowers of all kinds bring to my life.
Sunsets
I will never tire of praire sunsets. They breathe life into the sky and bring a calmness to my heart. I love the every changing skies, wide-open spaces and peacefulness of watching the stunning transformations at the end of day.
Birds and Butterflies
From endangered species like the Red-headed woodpecker to the common American Robin, our farmyard is visited by over 80 species of birds yearly. With milkweed abundant on our rural roadsides, monarch butterflies also find our area a welcoming habit which is enhanced by flowering native trees and a diversity of flowers in my garden. These are some of my favourite captures to date.
Crops
Canola will always be the star of the show on the Canadian prairies, but wheat, alfalfa and sunflowers also make appearances on this card series.
Autumn
The best season! Cool mornings, warm days, trees dressing into their vibrant hues, leaves letting go and dancing downward. From our farmyard, my favourite trails and parks these are a few on my most-loved captures.
The Lake
Our farm is near Lake Manitoba so a trip to it’s shores is always a welcome reprieve in the summer.
Winter
Oh the beauty of winter! Snow, hoarfrost and rimefrost magically transform the landscape. Harsh winds sculpt beautiful snowdrifts, and the light and skies are enchanting!
A potential prequel.
Three different paths. Three different journeys. Three different stories.
Yet here they were, at the same opening, at the same time.
Drawn here by some unknown force. Fate? Serendipity? A higher power?
It didn’t matter. They walked into the forest side-by-side. Quiet. Solemn. Disheartened. Each carrying their own burdens of sorrow, trauma and pain. The shadows of the trees seemed dark, daunting, almost frightening.
They could hear a stream in the distance, and instinctively knew, in that opening sunlight would be dancing on the water as it rippled downstream. They paused a moment but weren’t drawn there.
The trees were calling today. They chose to go deeper into the forest, single file as the path narrowed, the tips of branches brushing against their shoulders.
It led them to a clearing where worn tree stumps encircled a fire pit made of stones. It was time to stop. To light a fire. To be together in this sacred spot.
They sat, shared their stories, their truths, their hurts. Relinquished all pain into the smoke, watched it circle up, up into the tree tops and beyond…
For a long while they were still, quiet, reflective. Then the one with long, dark hair started to laugh — a contagious, joyful laugh. The others joined in. Feeling lighter. More complete. Free.
The dark-haired one suddenly leaned to the left, swung her feet to the side, one hand on her chair stump. She let the momentum carry her, twirled and began to dance.
How could the others not dance with her? Let joy flow through them? Celebrate — their new-found feelings, unlikely connection, each other and this healing circle?
Their secrets were safe here. Sunlight filtered through the trees. Laughter echoed through the woods.
No fees, set hours, restraints on time —
my outdoor treadmill suits me fine .
Prairie snow provides vast retreat,
with snowshoes strapped beneath my feet.
Crunching of snow the only sound
as I walk atop frozen ground.
Crisp, cold air upon my face
heightens senses, worries – erased.
Bright sun reflecting on the snow
gives icy crystals sparkling glow.
Deer, rabbits, fox may happen by,
or owl glide across the sky.
All of this, just out my door –
nature’s gym, yet so much more…
Grateful to have waiting for me,
such splendor and tranquility.
Sandi Knight © 2007
The congregation’s growing,
singing, strong and loud.
Flying in formation,
just below the cloud.
Now gathering in force,
they head towards the lake
The morning feed is over,
time to take a break.
They’ll be overhead again,
later in the day.
But as the days grow shorter,
they’ll fly away to stay.
A welcome sign of spring,
then again in fall.
They leave as if on cue,
when Nature gives the call.
Sandi Knight © 2004
“Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.” ~ William Arthur Ward
You never know when actions will lead to opportunity. This past March I found myself preparing for a photo exhibit. When asked how long I’d been planning I replied, “I hadn’t.” It had never been a goal, ambition or something I’d ever remotely imagined doing.
But a simple “Challenge on Nature Photography” invitation — seven nature-themed photos in seven days — on Facebook in January opened a door. Friends and family responded positively to the images I posted and persuaded me to “get busy framing” and show my work. Even though it was in a small boardroom gallery, the thought was daunting, but I knew I would regret not taking advantage of the experience.
Those who encouraged me lent a helping hand and “Out my backdoor” was soon on display. The photographs shown can be seen here. All twenty-five images are unedited and were taken within a mile radius of our home with a simple point-and-shoot camera.
The positive feedback and appreciation was overwhelming. My initial nervousness was soon replaced by gratitude for the chance to share my view of the prairies. Someone commented, “You see what we may miss.”
When I head out for walks with my camera, I do so because I truly enjoy capturing images and moments in time, whether bright and bold, or small and subtle. No matter the season, every day offers something to make me pause and appreciate my surroundings.
After living on the farm for almost 28 years, perhaps I take my vantage point for granted. I didn’t realize so many others would enjoy “seeing through my lens”.
As a bonus to the whole experience, almost half the pictures sold. It is rather humbling to know my work will be hanging in new homes. Previous to the exhibit, I had never framed my photos, only shared them on social media — a trend that will now change.
I am grateful I pushed past my initial fear and trepidation, didn’t wait and let this opportunity pass. It was thoroughly enjoyable sharing the view ‘out my backdoor‘. Now to ponder the question, “What’s next?”
Sandi Knight 