James W Parker

The eldest son of a South Dakota historian, I've always been fascinated by the architectural detritus and geologic history of the West. As an explorer, I use my lens and camera to examine interesting manmade and natural subjects. As an artist, I'm' interested in the effects of the passage of time on a human scale. My recent work, "Stories Told in Things Left Behind," focuses on interior spaces and prairie landscapes.

Quirky juxtapositions & peaceful grasslands highlight my images. Whether photographing patterns of wind and water in a desert canyon, or focusing on the textures of a faded ranch, the visual commentary echoes the politics, history and cultures that collided in America's Westward expansion. I also shoots closer to home, where I am currently developing a series of photographs portraying Michigan, his home state.

Using small format cameras to photograph my subjects, I also handle my own edition printing in sepia-tones and color, using Epson printers & fine art papers. I've won a bunch of awards in the ten years I've been actively participating in art fairs, including an Award of Honor at Winter Park; Best in Show at Ann Arbor, State Street, and other national festivals.