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This exhibit proposal is a selection of my artistic photographs of the Sierra Nevada taken between 2011 and 2019. These images capture the distinctive beauty of the granite peaks and alpine lakes that comprise this mountain range. Yosemite is the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada, so it is emphasized in my collection. This exhibit wouldn’t exist without a strong desire for backcountry adventure.

 

I first laid eyes on this unique range of mountains during an introductory backpacking trip in the spring of 2004. During the drive on Highway 395 to Death Valley National Park I was exposed to the Sierra Nevada for the first time in my life. I was mesmerized by the height and grandeur of its jagged peaks, which made me feel insignificant. Two months later I visited Yosemite for my second backpacking trip, and was deeply impressed by its sights. That experience would be the genesis of a new obsession for me, to explore the Sierra Nevada via numerous backpacking trips in all four seasons. I also quickly developed a passion to capture what I saw; to document or record that serenity and grandeur with photographs.

 

I was lucky to take one meaningful photograph that first Yosemite trip, when I happened to be in the right place at the right time.  But I realized that I didn’t want to have to depend on luck.  With hard work, I developed a creative style that required not only imagination and technical ability, but also, in many cases, endurance and perseverance.  Most subjects in this exhibit are located in remote areas, reachable only with multi-day backpacking trips weighed down with camera equipment.  Capturing such images in the perfect light requires patience and planning.

 

I felt compelled to do all of those things to the best of my ability.  By 2011, I was intentionally creating meaningful photographs of my adventures in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada that were successful in evoking an emotional response in the viewer. 

 

The highlight of this exhibit is “Winter Wonderland” | Clouds Rest and Half Dome at Sunset | Yosemite, which took 4 trips of trekking 21 miles in snow over a 6 year period to turn my vision into reality.  The High Sierra is very special to me, because my experiences amongst its peaks fostered my desire for adventure and photography. I’m interested in an opportunity to be represented by your gallery, so this exhibit can provide your guests with a glimpse of the beauty that is the Sierra Nevada.