Look at This Photograph

The Adirondack Park is an unquestionably beautiful place. Those who live in the park or visit it recognize this, but many who have never been to the region also know it. One of the main reasons why the beauty of the Adirondacks is so widely recognized is because of the many photographs and other pieces of artwork that have been crafted with the park as their subject. When reading about Paul Schaefer, our class learned of how he encouraged his mentees to explore the Adirondacks and document their travels through photography. He felt that this was the best way to show those outside of the Adirondacks why they should fight to protect it. It is hard to know the exact impact photography has had on the protection of the park, but one thing is certain: the park has been protected with far greater zeal since significant efforts to photograph it have been undertaken.

            One prominent photographer in the Adirondacks is Carl Heilman II. Heilman is an internationally published photographer and author, and teaches photography workshops throughout the year in the Adirondacks. He has been photographing the park since the mid 1970s, and his work has become quite popular since that time. He describes a “spiritual connection” that he feels towards the Adirondacks, which is something he tries to communicate through his photos.

            Though Carl Heilman II exhibits great skill and talent in his photographs, it is not simply his abilities to which people are attracted. Rather, it is the allure of the Adirondacks that keeps customers returning. This is something we have talked about extensively in class, as many artists have flocked to the Adirondacks since its creation. Whatever they have created, from paintings to photographs, has consistently seemed to have an audience. I believe that this trend transcends the quality of the art and reflects the uniqueness and attractiveness of the Adirondacks. Though those who have had the privilege to visit the Adirondacks know of its beauty, the constant flow of art that comes from the region has effectively showcased the park to many people all over the world. Just as Paul Schaefer hoped photographs of the Adirondacks would encourage many to protect it, I hope the continued creation of art will do the same. The Adirondacks are vulnerable to threats both from humans and the natural environment, and I believe that art can be a powerful tool in encouraging its protection.

Sources

http://www.adirondackermag.com/artist-of-the-month/carl-heilman-ii-5-15/

Schneider, Paul. The Adirondacks: A History of America’s First Wilderness. New York: H.           Holt, 1997. Print.