"CLOUD-CAPPED MT. WASHINGTON... PEEKING"

Belknap Crater, Oregon High Cascades

18x12 Inch Print Dimensions @ 16.5x11 Inches Fuji Crystal Archive Luster Paper Signed/Dated and Titled by hand on white border Presented in Archival Sleeve

"CLOUD-CAPPED MT. WASHINGTON... PEEKING"

This exquisite "peek" at Mt. Washington was photographed at Belknap Crater in the High Cascades Plateau considered by many to be one of the most beautiful regions of Oregon as well as the United States. The glimpse of the mountain peak is juxtaposed to a group of bleached out snags still towering in death, monuments that speak silently of their former grandeur in a landscape almost devoid of life. The peak was only visible momentarily as low laying clouds and mist obscured the view of Mt. Washington over 99% of the time. We were also hoping for the sun to break through the overcast, cloudy sky and illuminate the foreground snags thus providing a heightened sense of drama, contrast and depth. Miraculously, the dead trees were dramatically lit up just as the mountain came into view... a sublime concurrency of chance and patience.

An hour later we stopped in Sisters, Oregon to warm up with an espresso and met by chance two Eugene, Oregon area residents, Suzie and Theresa who shared common interests in the pursuit of art, education and the great outdoors. This photograph is dedicated to them and to the expanded horizons (and empowerment) sometimes facilitated and resulting from chance encounters.

Copyright © 2008 Clyde Keller