On my first trip to Wyoming with Sharon, we entered the state from the northeast after an overnight in Cody. Our journey led us down the dramatic Beartooth Highway—one of the most scenic drives in America—stopping often to take in the expansive Western vistas before reaching Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin.
A Solitary Tree in a Barren Land
While walking the boardwalks around the steaming thermal pools, I came upon a stark and solitary figure in The Yellowstone Geyser basin: the skeletal remains of a tree rising from the mineral crust. Alone in the volcanic expanse, it stood as the only trace of life in an otherwise lifeless terrain. It felt ghostly, even sacred—weathered, defiant, and proud in its endurance.
Rendered in Black and White for Emotional Power
The image demanded a black and white treatment. The sun-bleached bark, framed against the dark volcanic soil and open sky, revealed textures and tonal contrasts that evoked solitude and strength. Its raw symbolism later caught the attention of my friend, jazz drummer and composer Tim Solook, who chose it as the cover art for his album “Changed Lives”, a meditative work inspired by the emotional toll of the pandemic.
Limited Edition Prints Available
Last Man Standing is available as a limited edition of 15 prints, with 2 artist proofs.
Ideal for collectors, designers, and those drawn to contemplative Western landscapes, fine art photography, or imagery rich with metaphor and story. How would it look in YOUR space?
