Today's edition takes us back to the Yosemite Valley—and in time. Nevada Fall, Yosemite Valley, captured by Carleton Watkins, gives us a peek at paradise...
Nevada Fall, Yosemite Valley by Carleton Watkins
10"x8" ($24) | 14"x11" ($60) | 20"x16" ($240) | 30"x24" ($600) | 40"x30" ($1800)
When you think of a road trip, what comes to mind? Maybe it's the open road, a sweet ride, some friends and a point-and-shoot by your side. Now, replace the open road with steep cliffs and dense forest, the wheels with half a dozen donkeys, and the point-and-shoot with an 18"x22" glass plate camera and flammable developing chemicals. Welcome to Carleton Watkins' trek through Yosemite Valley.
When we released our first pair of Watkins images—North Dome, Yosemite and Yosemite Valley—we marveled over the fact that they survived the journey at all, let alone in such sharp detail. Those details are present here, but in Nevada Fall, Yosemite Valley, they serve as a foil and frame to an ethereal sheet of water.
It seems incongruous that these elements should exist in harmony: the soft wash of white brings out the crispness of the surroundings, just as the rugged terrain emphasizes the serene blur of water. His use of the long exposure technique mimics the ambient mist floating in the air. In a way, Carleton Watkins' image echoes the experience of being near a waterfall.
For those of you who have had this moment, we hope this image evokes the peace and splendor of nature. If you haven't, let Nevada Fall, Yosemite Valley be your prompt to get outside and live it.
With art for everyone,
Team 20x200
