Paul Atkinson and his donation "Day's End on the Mountain"
Paul Atkinson
Professional photographer Paul Atkinson served as the Fall 2024 Artist-in-Residence at Great Basin National Park. During his time in the park, he explored all around, undergoing strenuous, cold hikes to get up to some of the darkest and most secluded areas of the park in the wintertime. Paul's typical practice as an astrophotographer informed his time in the park but did not pidgeon hole his talents.
When asked about his experience, Paul had this to say:
"When I look back at my images from Great Basin, I find that many of my favorites were ones that I shot during twilight. Night photographers usually avoid shooting during twilight, preferring full night for better visibility, definition, and colors of the Milky Way and stars. And while I had made greater effort this past year to explore twilight, I don’t think I really succeeded until now."
This shot of a Great Basin bristlecone pine tree was definitely one of my favorites. I just love the gradation in tonality in the sky, and the contrast of the snow with the bark. And then there are the stars which almost look like falling snow. When I look at this image, I imagine that the tree is gesturing towards the fading daylight, and saying, “To me, your human lifespan is but a day in my existence. I was here long before your day dawned, and I will be here long after your day fades to black.”"
It was an amazing experience, being among these ancient living things."
