By Nanette Wiser
Through July 31, The James Museum hosts an homage to nature: ANSEL ADAMS: THE MASTERWORKS & CLYDE BUTCHER: AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL, two masters of landscape photography showcasing the beauty, grandeur, and complexity of the American landscape as interpreted by Adams and Butcher through a series of distinctive, meticulously rendered black and white photographs. Coming soon is Butcher’s revised edition of his earlier National Parks book that includes larger images, additional photos, and reflections of his experiences traveling through 34 national parks and preserves. From the redwood forests of California to the Everglade swamps of Florida, Clyde captures the essence of our natural spaces and treasured landscapes. He shares his personal connections while experiencing these protected lands, hoping these beautiful images of our nation’s parks and preserves will stir others to want to explore nature’s beauty and inspire others to become advocates for protecting these public lands for future generations.
These images examine the power and fragility of the natural world in a way that invites renewed introspection of one’s own relationship with nature. We had the pleasure of meeting eco-warrior Clyde Butcher at a book signing and talk. His photographs reveal wild and natural places where few humans have ventured, with images capturing remarkable solitude and wonder.
His large-scale dramatic images are a valued artistic expression of what we have, and what we might lose if we do not protect our environment. Butcher grew up in California and later relocated to Florida, finding peace and his life’s mission within the Everglades. Butcher is an ambassador to the arts and environment, a diplomat of the remaining wild places, and an emissary to the hearts and minds of Americans to protect our country’s natural places.
“Many people regard Clyde Butcher as the Ansel Adams of Florida,” said Emily Kapes, Curator of Art at The James Museum. “But this exhibition shows such a variety of his stunning landscapes from all over the country. His perspectives are just incredible.”
ROAD TRIP You can experience the Everglades and visit Clyde Butcher’s Gallery with a guided eco-tour or photography tour through the Big Cypress National Preserve and even spend a night in the private nature retreat in a bungalow or cottage. ExploreBigCypress.com Closer to home, you can visit Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio where Clyde’s photographs and books are on display (and houses his 2,000-square-foot darkroom).
EVENTS @ THE JAMES Enjoy the June 16 Father’s Day Special: free admission with the purchase of one other admission ticket. On June 28, join Curatorial Research Associate Ryan Slobig to learn how the art of Ansel Adams and Clyde Butcher influenced the history of environmental conservation in America. Celebrate America with Western Song on July 5 with Joy Katzen-Guthrie for $10 Tuesday.
Photos from CLYDE BUTCHER: AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL now showing at The James Museum