The art of the landscape capture has many layered meanings, known or unbeknownst to the photographer. It is not until we dig deeper, that we see the workings within our images that are hidden – or not so hidden. Traces and remnants of history held in what now remains from the impact of environment and man.
In this series of photogravures, Telescoping Landscapes, I explore what we see on the surface and through the artworks, tell the story held within.
a limited edition of 24
14.5″h x 11″w and printed on 26″h x 21″w Rives BFK paper
photo-polymer gravure a la poupee with Kozo Chine collé
Maui’s beautiful rainforest trails and volcanic mountains of Iao Valley offer incredible vistas and scenery. They also hold a sacred spirituality in history and instill a place to respect what remains. What remains are the stories featured in my photogravure series, Telescoping Landscapes and are a visual voice of the land.
One of the wettest areas of Maui, Iao Valley is a rainforest and National Natural Landmark. Lava mountains offer breathtaking waterfalls and lush vegetation. This is the landscape which covers the phallic lava remnant known as Kanaloa, God of the Underworld, the Eye of the Needle.
The Iao land itself holds countless remains and history of an ancient warrior lookout. There are sacred and secret ali’i burial grounds that include Kings. The Iao Needle also holds the past of those who lost their lives in an historical bloody battle. So many fell their bodies blocked the Iao stream of water which ran red. This battle site is called “Kepaniwai”, “the damming of the waters”.
In Weitz’s photogravure “Iao Valley”, the serene example of an early Maui settlement home stands beneath in the Valley. Part of history, and part of the continuing encroachment of the rest of the world to Maui’s shores. The green Kozo chine collé represents the history, mystery and the past of Maui. The brown ink a la poupee creeps toward the past but is lost in the black and white of today. The plant of the tarot root, vital in Hawaiian culture, watches below.
varied edition I and II/12 prints each edition – email us for edition number available
image is 14.25″h x 11″w and printed on 26″h x 21″w Rives BFK paper
I-photo-polymer gravure with smoke Kozo Chine collé
II-photo-polymer gravure with blue Kozo Chine collé
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Maui cane fields hold history – and traditions such as burning of the cane fields continue today. But now, the populous of modern civilization has clashed with the old ways, as air quality from cane burn smoke becomes an issue with many residents in these valleys.
varied edition I of II/12 each – email us for edition number available
image 13.75″h x 10.75″w printed on 27.75″h x 18.75″w Rives BFK paper
I-photo-polymer gravure with natural kitakata Chine collé
III-photo-polymer gravure with greenl kitakata Chine collé
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Through this image and the vibrance, I try to relate the experience of standing in the arms of this sacred place, Hoh Forest. There was such quiet. Peace. Moss and growth thicker than I have ever seen, majestic ancients, giant trees filtering the light with every shade of green imaginable. The green glowed as if God had an emerald lens filter in front of the sun. You feel the clean air.
The trails are natural routes from the elk that are part of this eco system. There are halls of moss, and you begin to believe in fairies.
This protected area, once reverent for one of the quietest places on earth, is now being invaded by noise. Not only from the record number of people visiting parks, but the noise pollution that lurks from above.
Read more in this article from the National Parks Conservation Association:
a limited edition of 40
5″h x 4″w and printed on 12″h x 9″w Rives BFK paper
photo-polymer gravure with Kitakata Chine collé
Strolling Umbria
Iconic Umbria is what came to mind when reminiscing of my trip to Italy. Pre-pandemic and strolling in the beauty of the landscape, people and talents of artisans and processes carefully crafted for centuries.
Life has changed rapidly in such a short time since then. Many artisans and their products are disappearing, as time alters our world and hand crafts are lost, perhaps forever. Changes in technology, economy, climate and the pandemic have transformed our world at such a rapid pace. At the time this is written, war in other countries even further complicates what will remain.
Strolling in Umbria reflects my walking through a time of savoring centuries and artisans. A time that seemed so much simpler and caring. A time to make us remember and honor every moment.
coming soon… Ediz Hook
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