Waddell Creek in Big Basin State Park in Californië 1900 - 1922

Andrew P. Hill's photograph of Waddell Creek, taken in Big Basin State Park, California, captures a scene of dense woodland using a monochrome palette. It’s like stepping into a silent film – the texture is so rich, you can almost feel the damp earth and the rough bark of the trees. The light filters through the canopy, creating a dappled effect that blurs the edges, and softens the scene. Look at the way the fallen trees intersect, creating a natural barrier. It’s messy but serene. It reminds me of some of the paintings of Ferdinand Hodler, though he’s often working with bolder, more graphic forms. Still, both artists share a sense of landscape as something monumental and meditative. Ultimately, this image resists a singular interpretation, inviting us to wander through its depths, finding new perspectives with each visit.