Finger Lakes Artist Bios

As The Finger Lakes Store we are privileged to help support our member artists as well as the countless other artists who participate in exhibitions, art festivals, education programs and other activities in the Finger Lakes Region.

These professional artists work in all media and rely on the purchase of their artwork to sustain their businesses. You could not meet a more talented or passionate group of artists than those who select the Finger Lakes and surrounding region as the site for their studios and the location for their involvement in the community.

Artist Profile - Doug McFarland - Photography

An Appalachian Mountains boy; born in the central Pennsylvania railroad town of Altoona during the 1950's as the only son of a WWII fly boy and a devoted wife. Doug grew up in a loving, caring family.

When he was eight, we moved into a one bedroom house at the edge of a wonderful forest in Johnstown Pa. Not having a room of my own, I made the forest cliffs, gullies and creeks my permanent playroom. By age eleven Doug was forest hiking with his used Kodak Brownie, and sometimes with his dad's Argus 35mm camera, although not with his permission. I was also an avid sketcher, so with some formal art lessons in my early teens, I was able to sell a few oil paintings and drawings. Naturally most of my work was about the forest that had befriended me.

In my early twenties, as a U.S. Army specialist serving in Europe, I continued to hike and explore, especially in the Bavarian mountains. Also, because of the photo lab on base, I was able to process my own B&W film, which led to a lifelong passion of monochrome prints.

The next 15 years would lead Doug through 35mm, to medium format 120, into 4x5 and 5x7 sheet film cameras. He had also grown to master traditional darkroom techniques, and created B&W prints of wonderful natural areas in New York. Doug has sold many prints from these early portfolios.

So combining his love of the forest, and love of photography, Doug shoots in the hopes that others can experience the beauty of the forest as he does.

Artist Profile - George Perzel - Laser-Engraved and Cut Maps and Artwork

George is a retired international sales and operations executive with broad travel experience. George’s formal education includes a BS and MS in Engineering from Penn State, and graduate of Girard College in Philadelphia--class of 1958. He is married with three grown daughters and four grandchildren, and has lived in Victor for the past 26 years. His primary art effort is related to the production of laser engraved/cut maps of the Finger Lakes and many Adirondack lakes, using a 60-watt CO2 laser to engrave the map details and cut the depth contours of the lakes out of select wood veneers or colored mat board. The entire process is graphics-driven from an ordinary computer, and the laser acts as a "printer" --employing a .005" beam of light to enable replication of extreme details with a very high level of accuracy and duplication. In addition, I utilize the laser to produce layered works of art in both wood and matboard and inlaid wood objects.

Artist Profile - Cat Moffatt - Jewelry

My name is Cat, and I am owner and sole artisan of Chatty Cat's. My son and I have lived from one end of the U.S. to the other in his short 15 years! We finally settled in Upstate NY, our home state. I have been creating jewelry for many years, starting out as a silversmith in the days "B.S." .....that's "before son". I have switched gears and am no longer silversmithing, but I do enjoy using the many mediums that filter into my work. I am excited to bring you different, and sometimes one of a kind creations, as I feel it's important that the art you wear went home with you because it screamed your name. You know the one I mean..it jumps out and grabs you.

When starting the creation process, I will have an idea in my head of how I want a piece to look. Really, though, it is through this journey from beginning to end that the piece takes on a life of its own. Sometimes I'm even surprised at how a piece turns out! I name all of my pieces because to me, they are alive with their own sense of being and individuality.

For many years, I struggled with finding "the right piece" that screamed my name. For those of you who appreciate a piece that is so different that you just feel better when wearing it, this is the place for you. I strive to create unusual, and sometimes eclectic pieces, and am drawn to the organic feel of earthy elements. By never duplicating a signature piece, each of you has the opportunity to wear something truly unique.

Rest assured, you are getting a quality piece with its own personality and uniqueness. Who knows, maybe it will be you that one of my creations will be screaming at!

Artist Profile – Heather Lucas - Jewelry

Welcome to The Finger Lakes Store. My love affair with beads goes back a few years when I played around a little bit making earrings and did some minor work; but life got busy and it wasn't until the last couple of years, when I was making a beautiful necklace and earrings for friends, that the real addiction was born. Since that fateful time, you would most likely see me with a bead project in a tray on my lap if you were to catch me sitting, and most recently, you will find me creating my new designs if you were to come for a visit. You see, I find working with gemstone beads in any shape or form, most interesting. I hope that as you browse the galleries of The Finger Lakes Store and some of my work will bring a smile to your face. If any of my work strikes you as something you feel you can't live without, feel free to contact me thru The Finger Lakes Store

Artist Profile – Diane Richards – Clothing & Accessories

Textile is a media that interests me in all forms. Throughout years of exploring and experimenting with many different techniques such as weaving, spinning and leather work, I realized that quite often the end product of my projects was some useful bag of some sort. While working in an upholstery shop, I was exposed to the exciting huge world of imported woven tapestries. Today after 20 years of sewing handbags, I continue to be inspired and excited, by new ideas and fabrics, toward making a product that is useful, durable and attractive all at the same time.

Artist Profile – Jamie Notarthomas - Music

Musician Jamie Notarthomas has been an integral part of the independent underground music scene since the late 1980's, performing an average of 200 shows a year at all varieties of venues primarily throughout the eastern US. Over the years, his thought-provoking song writing and electrifying performances have established him as one of the most well-known acts in the region.