Evolution of my artistic retreats in Maine and my return to photography

For the past 25 years, I have made it a tradition to take an annual trip to Maine, dedicating a week or two each year to quiet solitude with my art. The primary aim of these retreats was to provide uninterrupted time away from family and work obligations, allowing me to focus exclusively on my creative pursuits. Each journey typically began with visits to museums and galleries along the way, followed by settling into a chosen inn where I could immerse myself in artmaking for the remainder of the trip.

As the dynamics on the family front shifted—through separation and as my children grew older, I found myself devoting more time to art throughout the year, which gradually lessened the necessity for intensive art creation during my Maine trips. Recently, my visits have included not only museums and galleries but also more tourist activities, resulting in fewer hours spent on hands-on art. Despite this change, these experiences have continued to nourish my creative spirit.

Return to Photography

In the past few years, I have found myself reconnecting with photography after a 45-year break. My early photographic experiences were rooted in film, slides, and black-and-white images developed in the darkroom. As I immerse myself back into photography, I observe a fascinating evolution in my creative approach, shaped by both my artistic background and the passage of time.

Unconsciously, I am drawn to seek out distinct shapes, a sense of balance, and thoughtful compositions within my photographs—elements that strongly echo the design principles I employ in my art creations. This overlap between my artistic background and photographic endeavors becomes even more pronounced as I approach my subjects more closely. The nearer I am to what I am photographing, the more likely I am to capture abstract compositions, allowing the familiar language of my art to guide my vision through the camera lens.

Shown in this project are photographic images I took during the past three years of Maine trips.

Ogunquit, Manie: The peninsula

Plant in Jagged Rocks, 2024

Damariscotta: A Central Haven for Artistic Exploration

Throughout my various trips to Maine, Damariscotta stands out as the area where I spent the most time. My frequent stays were largely influenced by a wonderful Bed & Breakfast, which featured a spacious room perfectly suited to setting up my art station. This accommodation not only provided comfort but also served as a convenient hub from which I could visit numerous art museums and galleries and explore notable small towns and scenic vistas in the surrounding area.

A Tribute to Bobby and the Enduring Pickup Truck

The grounds of the inn themselves proved to be a rich source of inspiration, offering a diverse array of subjects to photograph during my stay. The following five images showcase scenes captured at the inn, highlighting the beauty and character of its environment.

Bobby, one of the innkeepers, was a beloved figure at the Bed & Breakfast. Although he passed away a year ago, his presence is still felt on the grounds, especially through his cherished 1957 sea-green pickup truck. This vehicle, still running after all these years, served as Bobby's reliable companion for local errands.

The pickup truck itself has become a symbol of resilience, much like the plants thriving in rocky crevices nearby. Its surface, adorned with patches of rust and lichen, tells a story of endurance and the passage of time. The next two photographs capture these details, offering a visual narrative that intertwines the truck’s enduring spirit with the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Lake on a Truck, 2024

Door Handle and Gas Cap, 2024

The Pond and it's Unique Features

Adjacent to the inn's grounds lies a picturesque pond that adds to the charm and tranquility of the setting. At the southern end of the pond, visitors will find the Alwives Fish Ladder, a remarkable structure that descends fifty feet, connecting the pond to the Damariscotta River and Salt Bay. This feature highlights the ecological significance of the area and provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's natural processes.

On the northern side, the pond, via a narrow channel, seamlessly opens up to the expansive Damariscotta Lake, which stretches for ten miles. 

This first of three photos is from the north side of the narrow channel that divides the pond from the lake.

A Foggy Morning, 2023

A View from the Inn, a black and white study, 2023

Tying Off Bobby’s Boat, 2024

Peninsulas South of Damariscotta 

South of Damariscotta, the coastline is characterized by a series of peninsulas that extend out from the shore. Beginning in Brunswick, travelers encounter the Harpswell Peninsula, followed by Phippsburg, Georgetown, Boothbay, Pemaquid, Cushing, and finally the St. George Peninsula, which lies just before reaching the town of Rockland, located 52 miles from Brunswick.

Pemaquid Peninsula

Of these, the Pemaquid Peninsula offers a direct route from Damariscotta, making it easily accessible from where I stayed. The drive to the tip of Pemaquid Point covers approximately 15 miles and leads to the area’s main attraction: the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.

My personal interest in visiting Pemaquid Point has always centered around its remarkable geological formations. Here, a rocky finger made of exposed metamorphic gray rocks, interspersed with dikes of harder, white igneous rock, extends nearly 300 feet out into the ocean. The area’s unique layered rock formations are the result of millions of years of buildup and volcanic molten rock activity, creating a visually striking landscape that is especially appealing to photographers.

The accompanying images capture scenes from this distinctive area.

Racing Rocks, 2024

Receding Rocks, 2024

Green Water, Blue Rocks, 2024