an Artprize 2010 Entry by Stacy Niedzwiecki
Great Lakes - Great Ships - Great Concerns click for large view
At times while capturing a beautiful scene, I’ve wondered to myself, “Am I just taking a nice photo, or sadly recording some of the last known sightings of a particular plant or animal in our Lakes?” For our future generations’ sake – I hope the answer is no. The threat of Asian Carp, toxic pollution from runoff, and overuse of water is happening now.
My 2010 ArtPrize entry is intended to capture images to spur the public’s imagination – and hopefully inspire viewers to take personal steps towards conservation and protection of our Lakes.
In 2006, I had the unique opportunity to photograph the beauty of the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® race series in Bay City, Michigan. When I learned this terrific event was returning to our Lakes and carrying an important environmental theme for 2010, I realized I wanted to document this event in a different light beyond traditional “nice boat” images.
The Tall Ship series is a very popular public event, and thousands of folks came out to enjoy the majestic, regal beauty of these unique sailing vessels. I immediately saw an opportunity to connect the excitement of the Race, with the beauty of the Lakes via another popular public interest – photography.
On July 19, 2010 – I boarded the educational research vessel Denis Sullivan (home port Milwaukee, WI), which led the race fleet as the flagship for Great Lakes United. Sailing the length of Lake Huron and Lake Superior, I photographed important scientific studies taking place on board, chronicled the hard work of the sailing crew, captured natural beauty scenes of the water – along with thrilling Race highlights.
Additional images were captured while I sailed on the Privateer Lynx around Navy Pier for the final Parade of Sail in Chicago on August 24.
Twenty-nine photo pieces have been reproduced on beautiful metallic photo paper mounted to lightweight foam core. The exhibit will hang proudly at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Hill area of downtown Grand Rapids on a translucent glass block wall shaped very much like a “wave” of water.
Please contact me should you have any questions regarding the project, contributing or other offers to assist.
In 2009, I exhibited 18 pieces at SanChez Bistro:
Artprize 2009
A Vote for Stacy – is a Vote for Michigan
Michigan Moments
SanChez Bistro – Grand Rapids
September 23 – October 10, 2009
- Our lakes
- Our trees
- Our sunsets
- Our seasons
The things you love about Michigan…
… are the images Stacy Niedzwiecki has captured so beautifully…
