By Max Phillips • Originally published on Subject2Change
Cows and corn. Corn and cows.
This was my mantra late last summer as my partner, and I searched for our new home in Lancaster County. You see, we were in the process of relocating to the area from Buffalo, New York. And while Upstate has its share of both cows and corn, I was clearly not prepared for the sheer volume of both this area has to offer. “Toto,” I thought to myself, “this sure as hell ain’t Kansas.”
I recall a colleague’s reply to an email I had sent out announcing our imminent move. “Lancaster? Pennsylvania? What the fuck will you do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania?” Emphasizing Pennsylvania, because Upstate, too, has a Lancaster. Although, Buffalonians tend to insert a hard “g” in the middle of its suburban sister’s name. A sound that can incite much debate in this area about its proper pronunciation. But that’s a story for another day.
I was eager for the move and the prospect of a new adventure. But I have to admit that a small part of me echoed this sentiment and was anxious to discover what awaited me in “Amish Country.” As our friends back in Buffalo lovingly referred to our new home.
CHL! CHL! CHL!
Flash-forward one year. I am now inspired to chant a new mantra, thanks to the infectious enthusiasm that emanates from the Creative House of Lancaster’s membership. I remember a day back in early June of this year as I cruised the ‘net in a local café, thinking to myself, “there must be more to this area they call Lank-stir.”
That’s when Anne came into my life.
To no avail, I had joined Meetup.com in hopes of connecting with other local artists and designers. (I still am waiting to receive even one scrap of information from this site.) To my great fortune, Anne Kirby found my post and took it upon herself to contact me via MySpace. She then invited me to join the ranks of the Creative House of Lancaster. I eagerly accepted, and the rest, as the cliché goes, is history, my friends.
I wax cathartic. I’ll get to the point.
I have so much enthusiasm for The House and what it can offer Lancaster. The need for this group is palpable, as is evidenced by electricity created at each of our meetings. It’s as if we were all waiting for something exciting to happen, and it finally has. The House has brought together so much talent with such passion to question, observe, explore, push, understand, connect, and, above all, create. Which brings me to why Subject2Change has been formed. As a voice for the Creative House of Lancaster, it is our goal to question, observe, explore, push, understand, connect, and create right along with you.
Welcome to Subject2Change. This is your ‘zine, and we look forward to your input, support, help, criticism — anything you feel like throwing our way. Please drop us a line and share what’s on your mind.
Max Phillips
Subject2Change Editor