“You will never understand the beauty of these bells until you hear them for yourself!!!!” – Crazy Crafty Chicks, Corning NY.
The FingerLakes Bell Co. was established in 2019 by myself and my wife Robin. Our home/studio overlooks Waneta Lake and gives inspiration to our bell art. Little did we realize what was to happen with our idea. We just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary this May in Maine. A place that we have been visiting for thirty years now. Robin is employed by Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in Rochester, NY as a MRI tech. A 40+ year career for her. I have been a professional photographer and musician for nearly as long. In fact, we met when I was a photographer in the radiology department and Robin was working in MRI at the Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, NY. Robin has a daughter Ashley. Ashley currently owns Pip’s Squeak. A children’s clothing boutique located on Market Street in Corning, NY.
As for the bells, my idea came many years ago because that’s what I do, create things. The form, the sound, the steel and my love for the Finger Lakes got me going. My BFA in Art Education helps also:). The FLX Bell Co. utilizes the talents of our Mennonite community to help put together each handmade bell. Welding, powder coating and the ever important bell clapper are all crafted locally. I finish every bell with my personal attention to each. We have a bell for all of the eleven Finger Lakes plus numerous lakes throughout New York state. The Great Lakes Bell for instance is, wait for it….great!
Some interesting history as their creative source. In the days before the car was around, the use of boats on the Finger Lakes for shipping, transportation and entertainment was an important part of everyday life. Bells were used to communicate and signal those on and off shore. The FingerLakes Bell Co. has brought those beautiful sounds back by creating each Finger Lakes Bell with its own two tone sound. Every FingerLakes Bell Co. bell is unique in it’s appearance. There may be minor variations in the bells due to the creative process but, each bell is a production of an artistic idea, creating a one of a kind FingerLakes bell. As time goes on each bell will patina naturally and become truly special. Every cottage or home should have one or two! Ring On!
Until we ring again,
Robin and Tom
