Photographer Jim Westphalen has always had an affinity for the built landscape; those features and patterns reflecting human occupation within the natural surroundings. His current body of work, entitled Vanish, is an ongoing narrative that speaks to the decay of iconic structures in rural America. Inspired by such painters as Andrew Wyeth, A. Hale Johnson and Edward Hopper, Jim’s photographs open like windows to a world that is rapidly disappearing before our eyes.
One will immediately notice that Jim’s photographs have a unique feel; even often mistaken for paintings. To create this look, he uses a vintage 4x5 view camera adapted to digital capture. Weather and light are of course of utmost importance and careful planning goes into the timing (time of day/season) of each image. Once back in his studio, Jim uses proprietary processing methods to create what he calls his sharp/soft” signature look - Maintaining incredibly sharp detail while rendering an overall pleasing softness. The prints themselves are then made using archival pigment inks on 100% acid free matte rag papers to further enhance the effect. Three coats of optically clear varnish are then applied to protect the prints from the elements, UV rays and handling. All Jim’s prints are created in limited editions.
Largely self taught, Westphalen has been a professional photographer for over 30 years. His work is widely published and collected both nationally and abroad. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, in 1996 he moved to Vermont to be closer to the rural landscape that he loves. He lives with his wife Kendra in Shelburne, Vermont, where he also runs his studio.
