Will you forgive me for that groaner of a pun? I hope so. Because bittersweet (the plant) was a joy to discover here at Waubonsie State Park, a joy to photograph, a joy to share with you … and I’m taking a sprig of it home with me as a souvenir as I end my artistic residency today and get back to real life.
I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity! The past nine days renewed, challenged and enriched me. I hope that sharing my photographs and thoughts here with you folks has let you enjoy and learn from my experiences too.
A few closing thoughts:
- Sometimes our part of the map is dismissed as flyover country. That’s a tragedy, because over the last week I’ve witnessed natural beauty here in the Loess Hills that has left me searching for words. Waubonsie State Park is a treasure – come out here and experience it for yourself. Explore the hiking trails, rent a cabin, or just pause at the scenic overlook. Time spent here will repay you long after you leave.
- Seeing beauty takes an open mind as well as open eyes, and that’s what artists and photographers try to do. My focus here was to take a fresh look at some of the native plants we overlook due to their familiarity or commonness, and see them anew. It’s a practice than can do all of us some good when we begin to take our daily lives for granted.
- My time here was supported by a number of people: the good folks at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Friends of Waubonsie State Park, and Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development. Thank you all so very much! I’d specifically like to thank Rebecca Castle of GHRC&D for her support, and Matt Moles and Jamie Smidt of Waubonsie State Park for their warm welcome, granting me not only a cabin but also studio space, and tirelessly answering my many questions. And also for not laughing at me when I accidentally locked myself out of the workshop.
- Last thing: in January, I’ll be teaching a photography class/workshop at the park – the date will be announced soon here and on the Friends of Waubonsie State Park Facebook page. I hope to see you all there!
