New! Winter Vacay Trip For Two From Wolcott

Whether you're ready to delight in your snowy surroundings, or angling to escape the cold, we've got the perfect print for you this season. From Marion Post Wolcott, we bring you two takes on winter respites: June in January, Miami Beach and Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont.

Smuggler's Notch, Vermont by Marion Post Wolcott
8"x10" ($24) | 11"x14" ($60) | 16"x20" ($240) | 20"x24" ($600)

June in January, Miami Beach by Marion Post Wolcott
8"x10" ($24) | 11"x14" ($60) | 16"x20" ($240) | 20"x24" ($600)

When January rolls around, we’re torn between the desire to head south to soak up the sun, and the urge to fully embrace our winter wonderland (editor’s note: fresh snow makes that whole winter wonderland thing a lot more appealing). This Marion Post Wolcott duet—June in January, Miami Beach, and Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont—are a testament to our struggle to pick a side. What makes them even better as a set are the striking similarities between each image, despite the drastically different climates they capture.

Wolcott is best known for the near ten thousand images she produced for the Farm Security Administration. Inspired to make a difference after a teaching stint in small town Massachusetts, her main focus as a photographer was documenting the reality of life during the Depression, covering the political angles of poverty and racial inequality. This work represents both an escape from her typical body of work as well as an unexpected celebration of leisure time.

In looking at the body of work that she created in Miami and Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont, one wonders if Marion Post Wolcott was on vacation herself. Though the images she made explore each area in-depth, capturing skiiers and sunbathers alike, there is a light-heartedness in them that’s absent from her more political work.

June in January, Miami Beach by Marion Post Wolcott

Taking in June in January, Miami Beach, it’s so easy to sigh and slip straight into sun-soaked relaxation. Even though it’s icy outside, there’s an excellent kind of unadulterated summery-ness emanating from this image, one that makes us practically feel the heat spreading over our skin and hear the rush of waves nearby. As idyllic as some of the elements of this scene are, this lounging isn’t about glamour. It’s warm-weather repose at its finest: utterly unselfconscious. With this edition on your wall, you can transport yourself to this little slice of paradise any time of the year—old-timey bathing suit, completely casual pose and all.

Smuggler's Notch, Vermont by Marion Post Wolcott

At first glance, June in January, Miami Beach and Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont seem to have nothing in common: taken from opposite ends of the United States and in two completely different temperatures, one could say they’re as far apart as two photographs could be. But taking a longer look, we close the gap between the two. Imagine our main character is the same woman in each image. In Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont she’s now gleefully exhausted, rosy-cheeked, collapsed in the fresh powder at the foot of the mountain. The ski lodge awaits her in all its fire burning, hot chocolate glory. Even her pose is reminiscent of our swimsuit clad sunbathing subject. In this moment, she’s similarly carefree, luxuriating in the freedom of the day.

Whether we’re escaping south or reveling in winter this year, each of these Marion Post Wolcott editions are a reminder to keep our cool. Here’s to a sun-kissed, cold-nosed season of leisure!

With art for everyone,
Jen Bekman + Team 20x200