Following the Artists: Rocks Don't Lie

I've set a goal for myself:   locate the exact places on Mount Desert Island from which the 19th Century American Landscape artists painted their masterpieces.  I embarked on this journey several months ago and it will continue for as long as, well, as long as I feel like it.

Initially the plan was to find the spot . . . sit . . . and breathe . . . while becoming one with the artist. And, through the artist, experience a Transcendentalist rush in discovering “an original relation to the universe” (Emerson), catch a glimmer of that spark of divinity within me, cast off contemporary society for its unthinking conformity, and transcend my senses to attain an understanding of beauty and goodness and truth in my communion with nature. 

Well, that became exhausting. So I shed that Transcendentalist burden and just continued my journey through the pages of my books and through the woods -- and other peoples' properties, to follow the artists.  It really is more about the journey, not the destination. The journey is more fun.

My assumption was that it would take no time to find the places, but, in fact, it has been time consuming and in some cases difficult, almost impossible.  I feel like a detective, paying attention to perspective, initially, then landmarks, understanding that each of these artists was influenced by the teaching of John Ruskin’s scrupulous attention to detail, precise drawing, and “unflagging truthfulness of observation.” Art is my mission and truth is my guide, so I hike, bushwhack, trespass, and persist until I find them. I have observed minor vegetation changes in some of the locations, but it is the rocks, the amazing granite outcrops, that become the identification markers. Finding the rocks is very exciting. The rocks have brought me to each place and moment. Rocks don’t lie.

I have found several locations, but want to return at just the right moment, hopefully, to find and photograph the scene as close to how it was found by the painter. I realize this will take time because after some initial attempts at photographing locations, I know now that I need to consider so many factors, like season, light and shadow, weather, and tide. 

This photo below is from May 2012, a moment when I actually did sit . . . and breathe.  I might even have caught a glimpse of beauty and goodness and truth.  It made me write a poem, even: 

(photo John Maxwell)

I've found an eternity

in this moment

Truth in granite

Beauty in blue

exhale

peace

The Artist Sketching at Mount Desert, Maine

Sanford Robinson Gifford

1864-1865