Nancy Ridenour

My blogs

Gender	Female
Industry	Arts
Occupation	Photographic artist,sculptor
Location	Ithaca, NY, United States
Introduction	Flowers and gardening have always been central to my life. My family has been in the landscaping and florist business in the Schenectady, N.Y. region since the late 1800’s, so I grew up with the beauty and smells of flowers. As a biology teacher in Ithaca for thirty-two years, I frequently incorporated these interests into the classroom. My background and teaching have had a tremendous impact upon my life and photography. While living and working in Laos, 1965-70, I was first given a bouquet of lotus buds as a gift during pregnancy. Several years ago, I obtained six lotus plants from the Ithaca Farmer’s Market. Those first plants have multiplied to over 500 and now fill the pond behind my home within view from my studio. The lotus flower, leaves, and pods were the initial focus for my photography. I take digital photos and then adjust them in Photoshop to achieve abstract montages. The montages include the lotus, flowers from many gardens and travels, Cornell University buildings and sculptures, and various Buddha and Bodhisattva images. In my "spare" time, I travel and work in my garden. I am also a docent at the Johnson Museum of Art and the Cornell Plantations.
Interests	photography, gardening, travel, biology, science education, flowers, art, sculpture
Favorite Music	Beetles, Tony Bennett, classical