Wednesday Window - pt.2 - Dutch goes the Photo!

In last Wednesday Window, I waxed philosophically about the function and meta-function of windows and promised the start of a series of posts. We took a look at some of that value in a highly functional window in a lighthouse, where it clearly kept the elements out and the interior safe for inhabitants.

This week’s image comes from my recent excursion to Utah, where there was ample opportunity to photograph some fine windows in the deserted town of Grafton…

This site was first settled in December 1859 as part of a cotton-growing project ordered by Brigham Young under the name of Wheeler; it didn’t last long as a weeks long flood of the Virgin River destroyed out the entire settlement. A new town was built a mile upriver and given the name of New Grafton. It grew quickly to 28 families by 1864.

The town encountered many challenges beside the flooding, such as the silt level in the river, which required weekly dredging of all irrigation ditches. Its isolation also left it vulnerable to attacks, which precipitated complete evacuation during times of war with local tribes.

At its height, Grafton counted as many as 106 inhabitants in the 1910 census, which dropped quickly to a population of 23 by the 1930 census. The town was purchased by movie producer Harry Sherman to be used as a film site in 1946; at that time there were 3 remaining inhabitants.

Currently, Grafton is managed by the Grafton Heritage Partnership; this organization is dedicated to preserving and restoring the remaining town site. It is under 24-hour surveillance to protect it and is a wonderful location to visit and get a sense of what life was like during this period.

Author: jansenphoto

A Fresh Perspective Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment. Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael. My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals. Universal Connections My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation. This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections. Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client. And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography! View all posts by jansenphoto