Art on the Trail, our celebration of artwork inspired by the LHT continues! We are thrilled to present inspiring contributions from local artists – professional and amateur, across various media, each creator taken with different scenes along our 22 miles of trail. We are always accepting new artwork inspired by the trail. Keep creating, we can’t wait to see your work. And be sure to check out previously featured artists in our gallery for inspiration.

Meet Amy Louise Lee – an interior designer who discovered the LHT thanks to the Pennington Connector at Kunkel Park. Amy Louise creates three-dimensional works on canvas using rough materials like burlap and concrete. Though her pieces are abstract, they are all inspired by the rhythms and sequences found in nature along the LHT and elsewhere.

LHT Art on the Trail Amy Louise Lee

“Empowerment,” inspired by the rhythms and sequences of nature, courtesy of the artist

LHT Art on the Trail Amy Louise Lee Hummingbird

“Hummingbird,” courtesy of the artist

LHT Art on the Trail Amy Louise Lee

“Lakeview,” courtesy of the artist

LHT: Can you share a biography or Artist’s Statement?
Amy Louise: My inspiration comes from science and nature; being completely fascinated by the smaller details all around us. While most see a tree, I see the texture and detail of bark on that tree, wanting to learn and understand why the bark is the way it is. I indulge in our surroundings everyday by keeping my curiosity alive and constantly wanting to learn. Taking nature classes or reading books on math in nature keeps me intrigued and alive. There is so much beauty and chaos in the tiny details, which I am forever trying to recreate by using different textured materials, such as raw metal, glass, and burlap.

My artwork is my way of expressing abstractly what I see, sense, and learn through nature: simple, yet complex humility.

LHT: How long have you been creating? What inspired you to start or restart creating art?
Amy Louise: I have always been a creative and curious person and have a successful career as an interior designer, however I truly began to create my own art in 2015. Being in nature inspires me over and over again. I am in constant awe of nature and find myself wanting to create art that reflects how it makes me feel.

LHT: What is your preferred medium or media?
Amy Louise: I love to explore raw, crude materials, that are not typically considered attractive, and make them feel graceful. My medium is metal, concrete, burlap, and such, on canvas.

LHT: Is all your artwork inspired by nature?
Amy Louise: Yes, everything I create is based on the smaller details in nature. I’m fascinated by repetitive sequences, like the Fibonacci sequence, and appreciate seeing math show up everywhere outdoors. I’m not recreating what I see, but I am interested in creating the calmness I feel from what I experience.

LHT: What about the LHT inspires you? What are your favorite segments?
Amy Louise: I take very long walks with my dog at least twice a week on the trail to disconnect from my busy life and explore the ever-changing landscape along the trail. I see so many wonders and feel very inspired to create. Once I’m home, I typically take notes for when I start the creative process. I enjoy walking the trail from Kunkel Park in Pennington to Rosedale Park, or sometimes I will park at Rosedale Park and take different paths, just exploring and breathing in the fresh air.

LHT: How did you discover the LHT?
Amy Louise: I discovered the trail during the 2020 lockdown. My dog and I needed to get out and we just started walking and discovered the Pennington section of the trail, which I believe had just opened. We went almost daily after that.

LHT: Do you have advice or messages for other artists (adults, kids, novices, pros) encouraging them to get outside and create art inspired by the LHT?
Amy Louise: I believe being outside on the trail gives you a moment in your life to disconnect from all your usual responsibilities, which allows you to be one with nature. We all need to unplug, and I find the trail really helps to do so.

LHT Art on the Trail Amy Louise Lee

Courtesy of the artist

LHT Art on the Trail Amy Louise Lee

Courtesy of the artist

LHT Art on the Trail Amy Louise Lee

Courtesy of the artist

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