ORIGINAL SILVER GELATIN PRINT BY JOHN AVAILABLE ONLINE AT DISCOUNTED PRICE On a recent workshop, I was asked about photographs I had made and if the making of those photographs had formed indelible memories. The question got me thinking, and in the process of mentally gazing back over four decades of making photographs, a few images immediately came to mind. One of those images, Aspen Dream, near Ashcroft, Colorado, emerged because of the unique experience I had when making this photograph. As I began pondering that image, I decided it was time to put it back in the enlarger, and offer it as the latest addition to my ongoing Special Collectors Edition print series. From now until June 15, 2017 I am offering this 11x14" silver gelatin print for $750 - a 25% discount off of the normal gallery retail price of $1,000. After that date the price returns to $1,000. To place a secure online order for this print, follow this link: http://ventanaeditions.stores.yahoo.net/asdrneasco.html
Aspen Dream I made this image just before sunrise in an aspen grove, whose location had been suggested to me by my long time friend Jim Baker, at the time the Photography Program Director at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in nearby Snowmass Village, Colorado. I had the privilege of teaching 29 workshops for Anderson Ranch Arts Center when their photography program was oriented toward traditional photographic processes. Jim knew my photography well and thought I would very much enjoy this small, intimate grove of aspens and had mentioned that the light was beautiful in the early morning. I headed up Castle Creek Valley in the dark and followed Jim's directions to the grove. By the time I arrived the sky was beginning to glow behind the ridgeline to the east. I shouldered my camera pack, grabbed my tripod and headed off into the grove. Within a few moments I had an experience I had never had previously, and have never had since. As I was following the easiest path through beautiful aspens, all of a sudden I had a sense that I knew what would be around the bend – as if I had been in this aspen grove many times before. What amazed me was, as I meandered around some spruce trees, what I saw before me was exactly what I expected, even though I had never been here before! I am sure we have all felt a sense of deja vu previously, but this was vivid and it was as if I knew exactly the position of the lone spruce tree and the arching aspen trunks. It was not as if I simply wanted to make the photograph, I felt I HAD to make this image. I set up my 4x5 camera, using my 150mm lens. The image came together surprisingly quickly (I guess it should have, since I seemed to know all about it from some unknown source). The challenge was the ever-brightening eastern sky, which was just outside the frame. As I still continue to do today, I used a Manfrotto Multiclip, along with a piece of black plastic, to provide additional lens shading (see more info about this technique below), and carefully positioned it. The only way I could eliminate contrast-reducing flare was to actually include the very edge of the shade into the frame of the image and then crop it out in the final printing. I was working quickly as the eastern sky was brightening, and the sun would soon crest the ridge. I used a #8 yellow filter to lighten the autumn foliage and made an exposure of 4 seconds at f/32 on 4x5 T-Max 100, giving the film N+1 development to increase the overall, as well as local, contrast. I usually give rather bland descriptions to my photographs, but decided to title this image Aspen Dream, based upon the experience I have shared above. I suspect that the dreamlike experience I had may not convey to others through the image, but I do hope you can experience the ethereal glow and the wonderful sense of solitude and permeating light I felt that early autumn morning in Colorado. I am pleased to share this image with you. This silver gelatin, selenium toned, print is approximately 13-3/8 x 9-3/4", personally printed by me (as are all my prints), processed to current archival standards, signed, mounted, and overmatted to 16x20" on 100 percent rag museum board. Prints will begin shipping on June 19, 2017, and all of the prints ordered will be shipped no later than August 31, 2017. All prints are carefully prepared and packaged in specially designed protective shipping boxes and shipped fully insured via UPS ground. If you have any questions about my prints, please feel free to contact Anne at 831-659-3130 or email: info@johnsexton.com. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Pacific time. NOTE: The image, Aspen Dream, near Ashcroft, Colorado, was included in my book Listen to the Trees. James Baker, whose essay The Dialect of Trees was included in the book, references this specific image. We have decided to add the essay from Listen to the Trees by Jim Baker, along with the introductory text A Celebration of Trees by Stewart L. Udall, as well as my preface, Within the Forest, to our web site. Hopefully you will find some of these essays of interest. I still find myself frequently drawn to making photographs of trees and explorations in the forest. It is where I feel most comfortable.
John Sexton Photographer Email: info@johnsexton.com
©2017 John Sexton. All rights reserved Site last updated May 16, 2017
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