Jim Westphalen
Fine Art Photographer
“Jim Westphalen captures the beauty of America from shining sea to golden prairie. Renown for his body of work titled Vanish, Westphalen’s photographs open like windows to a world that is rapidly disappearing before our eyes.”
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 A. Hale Johnson, Andrew Wyeth and Edward Hopper, Jim’s photographs open like windows to a world that is rapidly disappearing before our eyes. He captures his dynamic landscapes using a vintage 4×5 (film) view camera that has been adapted for digital capture. He then processes his imagery using proprietary methods that create a unique painterly feel. The effect is further enhanced by employing matte finish rag papers for the prints themselves.
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.
Exhibitions
Helmholz Fine Art – Vanish (Solo Show), 2020
Iris Gallery – Vanish (Two person show with photographer Lisa Cueman), 2019
Edgewater Gallery – The Enduring Landscape (Solo Show), 2019
West Branch Gallery – Of Land and Light (Solo Show), 2019
Helmholz Fine Art – Apres Ski Exhibition (Group Show), 2019
Shelburne Museum – New England Now (Group Show), 2018 – 2019
Helmholz Fine Art – Kaleidoscope (Group Show), 2018
West Branch Gallery – A Reverent Eye (Two person show with painter Charlie Hunter), 2018
Helmholz Fine Art – Changing Horizons (Group Show), 2018
West Branch Gallery – Winterscapes (Solo Show), 2017
Edgewater Gallery- Looking In, Looking Out (Group Show), 2017
Helmholz Fine Art – Aurora Winter Art Montage (Group Show), 2016
Edgewater Gallery – Vanish (Solo Show), 2016
Edgewater Gallery – Winterscapes (Solo Show), 2015
Vermont Metro Gallery – Vanish (Solo Show), 2014
Vermont Life Magazine – Vermont by Vermonters (Group Show), 2013
Edgewater Gallery – Landscapes (Group Show), 2013
Robert Hull Fleming Museum – Arc
Permanent Collections
Robert Hull Fleming Museum
Vermont Medical Center