Simple Elegance - Shaker Style And Spirit
A teacher with impeccable credentials in the history of photography and especially in photography as a medium of expression, once told me that my strongest images are those that convey a sense of "simple elegance." That no doubt explains why I am so attracted to the architecture and crafts of the Shaker movement. The Shaker ideal was to strive for perfection through simplicity, and the craftsmanship evident in their architecture, furniture and handiwork indicates that they were successful in this endeavor. The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is located in central Kentucky near the town of Harrodsburg. It is the largest restored Shaker village in the nation, encompassing 3000 acres and 34 buildings, 14 of which are open to the public at various times. The restoration project, which began in the 1960's, is a model of excellence.
The photographs that I have made are an attempt to evoke the Shaker spirit through depictions of their tools, materials and finished products. Visitors to the village often sense the presence of the Shakers and it is my hope that the images impart this same impression to the viewer.
