Fountains of Life | Limited Edition Prints

by Matthew Parker on February 4, 2010

in Events, John Muir Trail

Sheltering Cedar Today I am happy to be announcing the availability of a new collection of limited edition prints.

The images in this collection were taken during a restorative 20-day hike of the John Muir Trail in California’s Sierra Nevada during July and August, 2009. When I set out to hike, I expected to find jagged peaks, winding streams, and blooming flowers.  I found those things and more: stunning beauty, peace, wildness and the renewal of a soul sapped by human conflict.

Each of the 13 images in this collection is limited to editions of 25 prints and is available exclusively from Gallery La Mesa.

I invite you to come and view the prints with me during the opening reception.  I’m happy to discuss style, technique, equipment or anything else photographically related.

If you cannot join me for the reception you are welcome to visit the exhibit anytime until April 3.  I would be more than happy to view the prints with you at another time, just give me a call.

What: Fountains of Life Opening
When: February 19, 6-8PM (Opening Reception)
Where: Gallery La Mesa 8808 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942 619.462.5760

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Evolution Range

Finding images that compel me to capture them can sometimes be challenging.  Sometimes I try to force an image or take a picture that does not feel right, those images very rarely turn out to be something that I am proud of.  Other times images come at me in a flood and it takes all of my concentration to make sure all of the technical aspects of image capture come together.  One of the good days was August 7 when we were hiking through the Evolution Range.
I felt ill the whole day but really wanted to make it to Evolution Lake before we stopped for the day, and I am really glad we made it there.  As the golden hour came the mountains were wrapped in clouds and set aglow by the setting sun.  The scene felt natural and I was able to find several compelling compositions in the span of an  hour.  As a photographer, these are the days I live for!

8-7-2009
I don’t know what is going on but I still feel sick!  I still have a sore throat and still feel low on energy.  Sick or not we still gained 2800 feet and walked 12+ miles for the day.   We passed 130 miles in total today and I am determined to finish this hike!  I did not take many pictures today, mostly because
San Joaquin RiverI was focusing all of my energy on hiking.  When we arrived at Evolution Lake a spectacular sunset unfolded and I quickly rattled off a hundred frames or so.  We found a neat wind sheltered spot for our tent but in the process of pitching the tent I broke one of the guy lines.  I fixed it with a square knot and then found someone’s discarded shoe string.  That shoe string may come in handy.  Just before we came over the crest to Evolution Lake we heard the “Cheeseburger Bird” for the first time.  I was really starting to doubt the existence of this bird until I heard the unmistakable song.

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Weather and Easy Passes | Day 11 on the JMT

January 14, 2010

When We were relaxing at VVR a weather report came in that was somewhat alarming.  The Dweeb Report (yes that is what it is called) was predicting a weather freak-show starting on the sixth.  Predictions were for three to six inches of snow down to seven thousand feet with substantially more on the passes.  A [...]

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Back at It | Day 10 on the JMT

January 12, 2010

Well, Its been way too long since I have updated the site.  First it was mid-terms then it was finals  and then a much needed vacation.  Molly and I spent Christmas in Estes Park, Colorado and New Years on the beautiful island of Kauai.  I have some photos to share from those excursions but first [...]

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Matthew is Hiring | Website expands

January 10, 2010

I am looking to expand my website a little bit which will take me beyond my web programming capabilities and well beyond my desire to learn. I am not looking to do a site redesign but I am looking to add functionality and security. If you know HTML, CSS, Wordpress and have a familiarity [...]

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Defunkification | A Trip To The Beach

November 14, 2009

I’ve been in a funk lately, a funk that has been hard to get out of.  I have been unable to focus on anything really and it has been bugging me.  Then, Thursday night while mindlessly surfing the web or watching TV, I can’t remember which I realized that I needed to get out of [...]

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20 Days On The JMT | A Presentation

October 28, 2009

This Monday November 2, 2009 at 6pm Molly and I will be speaking about our experience on the John Muir Trail.  The talk will be preceded by a potluck dinner.  All are welcome to join us for an evening of reflection and discussion.
I will have a couple of prints on display at this event.
Who:  [...]

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Looking Back | Memories of Iraq

October 27, 2009

Recognizing that who I am today is a direct reflection of my experiences both good and bad i feel I owe it to myself to examine the demons hiding in my past.
I chose to write this as a letter to my Grandfather who passed away while I was in Iraq.  My Grandfather and I were [...]

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Zero Days | Day 9 on the JMT

October 26, 2009

In trail speak a zero day is a day in which you don’t travel towards your destination.  In other words it is a relaxation day, a day of rest.  Molly and I did not take any zero days but had plenty of relaxing days.  I never felt like I needed a zero day and I [...]

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Dessert | Day 8 on the JMT

October 16, 2009

8-3-09
Great Day!
I see a pattern forming.  When we get on the trail early we tend to have excellent days.  Last night was cold (-2 C according to our British friends) and it was difficult to get going but we did and were on the trail by 7:00.  Throughout the day we leapfrogged with the [...]

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