A whitebark pine overlooks Crater Lake under a starry twilight sky. This is the second image from my two week long artist-in-...

Guardian

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

A whitebark pine overlooks Crater Lake under a starry twilight sky.

This is the second image from my two week long artist-in-residency appointment at Crater Lake National Park in October of 2014.

The whitebark pines, such that you see in the photo, are one of the more astounding features of the park. Gnarled, twisted masses of wood centuries old. They've withstood weather extremes, intense winds, storms, droughts, you name it. The trees have stood strong and are some of the only species of pine that can survive the subalpine, rocky volcanic soil environment that is their home.

But they're dying. And not just a few here.. a few there. They're dying by the acre. In fact.. more than half of the white bark pines in Crater Lake National Park are either dead or in the process of dying due to infestation by western pine beetles. The beetles have always been around, generally thriving in lower elevation forests, which are much more resistant to the infestations. However, with warmer and shorter winters, the beetles have been moving to higher elevations and persisting through the winter season. They attack these pines, which do not have the ability to defend themselves. In addition, the hotter, longer, and drier summers deprive these trees of the sap producing water they need to help their defense. It's one of the most 'in your face' effects of climate change within the park.

I can't help but think about this tree's future. It's an iconic tree in the park and one of my favorite features, and here it is, finally succumbing to the environment that we have given it. These trees provide food, shelter, and survival for numerous other species, yet we have failed it's own survival. How much the park will change in the long-term by the death of these trees is still an unknown, but it will certainly continue to change the face of the park.

Thanks for reading. Photo © copyright by TJ Thorne.


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Guardian print

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Lumachrome Fine Art Prints • Acrylic Face-Mounted and Ready to Hang

Lumachrome Fine Art Prints • Acrylic Face-Mounted and Ready to Hang

Premium Fine Art Lumachrome Prints are the epitome of elegance and quality. By face mounting the print to 1/8" thick scratch-resistant, non-reflective crystal clear acrylic and backing it with a protective surface and a 1.3" rear mounted frame, the print seemingly floats from the wall.

The proprietary Lumachrome process in combination with the acrylic facing gives a depth, dimensionality, and glow to the image which is unmatched and needs to be seen to believed. These pieces are museum quality, absolutely stunning, and truly a collectors piece.

Premium Fine Art Lumachrome Prints are ideal for galleries or private homes and with the proper lighting will take on a luminance that brings the photo to life. While these ready-to-hang pieces offer a modern, sleek, and clean appearance, traditional framing is also available and can be discussed one-on-one to pick the most appropriate frame for your piece.

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my prints, please visit my Prints page.

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Chromaluxe Fine Art Metal Prints • Ready to Hang

Chromaluxe Fine Art Metal Prints • Ready to Hang

If you are looking for a piece that combines durability with a modern and elegant look, I offer Premium Fine Art Metal Prints. Using a state-of-the-art process, the image is infused directly into the surface of specially coated aluminum which creates a scratch and fade resistant piece that is ready to hang without a frame.

Metal prints contain a tremendous amount of depth, detail, and sharpness that will be sure to draw the viewer in. Since the image is fused directly into the aluminum, the resulting piece is scratch and water resistant and will resist fading or yellowing over time while at the same time being easy to clean. These are the ideal for offices and public spaces due to their durability.

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my prints, please visit my Prints page.

Need a size that's not listed? Not a problem. Simply contact me for a quote to get started.


Please allow 2-4 weeks for production and delivery.


Select a print size:

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my Limited Edition Fine Art Prints, please visit my Prints Page

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