Roger
"The land belongs to the future...We come and go but the land is always here. And the people who love it and understand it are the people who own it - for a little while." ~Willa Cather, O Pioneers!
Another photograph of Roger that I think came our nicely...
Happy 100th birthday NPS!
Hasselblad 500C medium format SLR camera + Zeiss 80mm f/2.8 lens+ Kodak Professional Tri-X 400 black and white film
~Dan Grenier
2015 Artist in Residence
Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park
Jordan Pond Trail - Acadia National Park
“I don't just look at the thing itself or at the reality itself; I look around the edges for those little askew moments-kind of like what makes up our lives-those slightly awkward, lovely moments.” - Keith Carter
Linhof Technika large format field camera + Schneider-Kreuznach 150mm f/5.6 lens
Kodak Professional Tri-X 320 black and white film
~Dan Grenier
2015 Artist in Residence
Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park
~Roger
"In photography, the smallest thing can be a great subject. The little human detail can become a Leitmotiv." ~ Henry Cartier Bresson
I ran into Roger on the Deer Brook Trail. There was a lot of commotion occurring with some crew running up hill to tie loose ends on a trail section near-complete, while others headed down hill to help align the next big unit of work. But Roger was clearly anchoring the main site, and this left a subtle impression on me. In the middle of all of the bustle occurring around him, he quietly pushed on, aligning boulders with rock bar to create a solid, level walking tread to keep people's feet dry and to help protect the soils along Deer Brook from erosion. All of Roger’s effort came stamped with discreet purpose and his own dependability and placidity. Even with just my short time around him, I could never imagine Roger with much of a complaint. I observed several instances of crew members looking for extra hands to help with their individual tasks. Each time they went to Roger. He always stopped without objection, and with a kind smile, walked over to assist taking measures, to provide some extra muscle moving rock, or to safely guide the specific activity. …and then back again to his own work. The dominant reoccurring theme at Deer Brook was Roger going about business in his own quiet, understated way, which to my eyes was reflected back in the seamless utility and beauty of the crew's trail improvements.
Happy 100th birthday NPS!
www.nps.gov
Hasselblad 500C medium format SLR camera + Zeiss 80mm f/2.8 lens + Kodak Professional Tri-X 400 black and white film
~Dan Grenier
2015 Artist in Residence
Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park
~Alex
"No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.” ~Ansel Adams
This is Alex. She was one of the first National Park Service trail crew staff I met on the ground in Acadia National Park. After hellos, our conversation quickly turned to photography. She was aware of vintage camera gear and was excited about the opportunity to make a photograph with me. This one turned out great, huh? I really love it!
Spending time with Alex, one quickly realizes that she is smart, determined, and engaged in and driven by her work. Her dedicated spirit is expansive, and she proved to be excited to share and educate me, and surely all others who cross her path, on the importance the foot trail system plays in the park. Alex was also well-versed in the technical aspects of trail building. She near always had a tool in hand, ready-on-the-go, and was deeply involved in crew conversations related to their work detail and approach. I watched her push and pull rock bar using her all, swinging sledge and leveraging rock with pulley and wire rope. No doubt, Alex is a bundle of purposeful intensity, but she also was easy with a smile and close with her colleagues. Shared chuckles, and friendly ribbing, Alex and the crew’s connection was highlighted on down time as they huddled on tarps eating lunch. It was a privilege to experience this wholesome group effort, which Alex was part of.
We traded emails after I finished the field portion of my residency. Alex was anxious to see the imagery we created together, and wanted to use the photograph to help respond to questions others had concerning her motivation, ability and adeptness, and role on the trail crew. She said, “I want people to know that there are women out there working hard, and often times, working harder than most. I want this photograph to express the resilience and dedication of strong working women.” To my mind, she’s more than succeeds on all fronts. And the photo is fantastic too. Thank you, Alex, for being inspirational, and for being that resolute force that is you.
Once more, a reminder that 2016 marks the 100 year anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service. Find your park, and get out and enjoy!
Linhof Technika large format field camera + Schneider-Kreuznach 150mm f/5.6 lens + Kodak Professional Tri-X 320 black and white film
~Dan Grenier
2015 Artist in Residence
Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park
Acadia YCC members
Over the much of 2016 I’d like to share with you a series of environmental portraits from my recent art residency with the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park. This amazing experience provided me the opportunity to spend time and make photograph with an exceptional group – the park trails crew. My intent is to document these individuals, their dedication to their work, and their connection to the natural surroundings of the park. I also (fingers crossed) hope my photography celebrates these behind the scenes people, while highlighting the importance of stewardship and land management in ensuring the long term integrity of our shared natural heritage, and its role in connecting people to nature.
This first photograph is of members of the Acadia Youth Conservation Corps, which is made up of high school students that work as part of the trails crew under park staff supervision. A wonderful example of partnership, the non-profit group, Friends of Acadia, provides salaries and equipment supporting the Corps, while the National Park provides leadership and training. Corps members are folded into the Acadia Trails Crew, making true improvements to Acadia’s trails, reconstructing stone drainages and retaining walls, clearing vistas, cutting wood at campgrounds, and assisting wherever else needed. My impression is that the Youth Conservation Corps is life changing for many participants, giving the chance to better understand personal depths and to be part of a work team focused on a greater good. These kids proved to be exceptional without question, and I am fortunate to have had a bit of their attention to put face to their efforts. Some of the power of the program is seen by a number of park staff having been funneled back. Pretty cool. Thank you AYCC for all that you do!
Lastly, I want to remind you that 2016 is the centennial of the United States National Park Service. Get out to visit your favorite park and appreciate!
Hasselblad 500C medium format SLR + Zeiss 80mm lens + Kodak Professional Tri-X 400 black and white film
Schoodic Point
Acadia National Park
Hasselblad 500C + Zeiss 80mm f/2.8 lens
Kodak Professional Tri-X 400 black and white film
Jordan Pond
Acadia National Park
Hasselblad 500C + Zeiss 80mm f/2.8 lens
Ilford PanF+ 50 black and white film
My project associated with my residency at Acadia National Park has nothing to do with landscape photography, but it would be impossible to spend time there without making a few. Jordan Pond has to be one of the most visited “undeveloped” ponds in Maine- probably in the United States. It’s super easy to get to; consequently, it’s been photographed from every angle using all of today's popular techniques you see online. Still, after taking time looking at these other images made at the pond, I decided that I might be able to provide my own viewpoint. My attempt here is to bring honesty through normal perspective, black and white film, and my all mechanical camera from 1970. I didn’t want to idealize the waterbody, but instead share what it truly feels like on that shoreline. Anyway, this is how I see it, and I don’t think I’m too far off. Welcome to Maine and Acadia National Park!
© 2015 Kyle Pinjuv
A quick note to say hello and to share a bit of news… I’ve been selected this year as artist in residence at the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park. I’ll share more specifics on my project upcoming, but briefly, I’m attempting to create a portfolio of portraits of those associated with the park, staff and volunteers, who help make it all happen – protect the natural resources associated for the long-term, while simultaneously connecting visitors to nature and the outdoors. As you might guess, it’s a film based project using mostly antique large format gear, but some medium and micro (i.e., 35mm) format too. I want it to be a “Maine” story. And you know, my greatest hope, as such, is for my photographic process to equate to an expression and communication of my own personal experience; a means to further hone my own way of seeing and describing the world around me. …but I guess this is something we are all striving for with our photography, huh? Anyway, I really wanted you all to know about what I’m up to, and again, will have lots more to share with you sometime soon. Thanks for all the well wishes!
Yours in silver gelatin,
Dan
More of Kyle Pinjuv's fantastic photography: https://kylepinjuv.smugmug.com/
Cheers friends!
~d.j. grenier
Essence of Township 7 Range 17, Maine... Focus is way overrated.
I thought I’d share a photograph of this summer’s trail crew. Once more we’ve been working on the Fire Warden’s Trail leading to the summit of No. 5 Mountain located in Township 5 Range 7, Maine. It’s been a three year trail improvement project that’s proved to be a huge success thanks to the smarts, sweat, and non-stop energy these conservation rockstars have given. My role, in reality, has been incredibly limited, but it’s clear that this was a good thing. All the micro-scale, on-the-ground decisions were made by these guys – problem solving on the spot to best ensure protection of the resource while providing the visitor enhanced connection to the outdoors. And in a fashion that has proved seamless and mostly unnoticeable. This to my mind stands testament to the skill and brilliance these young best of the best brought to Maine. As I look at this photo and think about this final year of trail work, I’m reminded of how lucky I’ve been to play my minor role as cheerleader, and I’m inspired by the wonderful act(s) of service I’ve witnessed on behalf of our shared natural heritage. …my deepest gratitude to the Student Conservation Association, and most importantly, all most directly involved on site (you know who you are.). You’ve left a huge, long lasting impression from many perspectives, and again, thank you. ~Dan G.
I manage conservation lands in Maine, and each year I bring on seasonal staff to assist me with my ground work. I’ve always been fortunate, pulling in smart and dedicated people, but every once in a while, someone exceptional comes in like Andrew. He’s been helping out for the past six months, and above all, I greatly admire his calm and thoughtful demeanor, particularly when working with and around others. He just makes people feel good. Andrew has also exhibited a true ease and comfort in the woods, something that most don’t start out with. He’s keen and thoughtful and has proactively identified problems and ensured things have remained in hand. And boy, has he completed a lot of work. One of my biggest challenges during his stay has been trying to stay a few steps ahead of him! I should also mention that he’s a Vermont native, so beyond land conservation, he’s interested in farming practices, is a “die hard” snowboarder, and isn’t too sure about Maine’s mid-coast flatness. That said I’m certain that over the summer he’s developed a love for the Downeast bold coastline. What’s not to like, huh? Anyway, thanks, Andrew, for everything, and good luck with those next steps.
You know, I nearly held back from sharing this because there is so much wrong in my photography. Wishing for thoughtful composition, elimination of hot spots, a considered foreground, no branches in faces, a normal perspective, and of course, film… That said, the smiles and overarching sentiment makes it for me in spite of the flaws.
I spent this past week in the Debsconeags Lakes Wilderness Area measuring forest conditions (similar to USFS FIA work for those interested) with a super enthusiastic field crew. As you can see here, they all drank the conservation Kool-Aid. Regardless of incessant biting insects, wet feet and clothes from rain, smashed shins as a result of my crazy map and compass navigation through the woods, general heat and humidity, and no running water or electricity, Nancy, Marissa, Mariana, Hillary, and Andrew reveled with our plant monitoring tasks and the beauty found at our forest plots. Not one complaint beyond my own grumblings and bellyaching… Nothing but smiles and laughs all around… What a fantastic bunch!
Learn more about the Debsconeags Lakes Wilderness Area...
Daniel J. Grenier
For those curious, here is some information outlining a project I’m involved in as part of Portland Creative and the First Friday Art Walk. Many of you have seen my pear photographs already – nothing new. I am, however, honored to be included and shown with the other artists associated with the event. Anyway, thought you might like a peek…
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LiveWorkPortland