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Old Growth invites readers into a diverse transcontinental forest that includes white pines, hemlocks, sequoias, moss-covered cedar, bald cypress and bristlecone pines that have survived for millennia. The book explores the enigma of time, while also evoking the forests' historical struggle to survive American expansionism. Over the past 500 years, Americans have destroyed more than 95 percent of the original forests in the United States. And yet these are indispensable in the fight against climate change-large, old trees hold significantly more carbon than replanted saplings. Old Growth highlights the astounding diversity, interdependence and sculptural beauty of America's ancient forests. Made with an 8×10 camera in color and black and white, Epstein's images convey nuances of the forest that people cannot normally see, in the hope that gaining proximity to these epic, life-giving trees could inspire us to protect them. To borrow from ecologist Suzanne Simard, this book is not simply about how we can save trees; it is about how the trees might save us.
About the author
Mitch Epstein has photographed the landscape and psyche of America for half a century. A pioneer of 1970s color photography, Epstein was inducted into the National Academy of Design and awarded the Prix Pictet, Berlin Prize and a Guggenheim Fellowship. His work has been shown and collected by museums worldwide, including the Tate Modern in London and New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Whitney Museum of American Art. In 2013 the Walker Art Center commissioned and premiered a theatrical rendition of Epstein’s “American Power” series. His books include American Power (2011), New York Arbor (2013), Property Rights (2021), Silver + Chrome (2022) and Recreation (2022), all published by Steidl. Epstein has also worked in film as director of Dad (2004), and production designer and co-producer for Salaam Bombay! (1988) and Mississippi Masala (1991).
Summary
Old Growth invites readers into a diverse transcontinental forest that includes white pines, hemlocks, sequoias, moss-covered cedar, bald cypress and bristlecone pines that have survived for millennia. The book explores the enigma of time, while also evoking the forests’ historical struggle to survive American expansionism. Over the past 500 years, Americans have destroyed more than 95 percent of the original forests in the United States. And yet these are indispensable in the fight against climate change—large, old trees hold significantly more carbon than replanted saplings. Old Growth highlights the astounding diversity, interdependence and sculptural beauty of America’s ancient forests. Made with an 8×10 camera in color and black and white, Epstein’s images convey nuances of the forest that people cannot normally see, in the hope that gaining proximity to these epic, life-giving trees could inspire us to protect them. To borrow from ecologist Suzanne Simard, this book is not simply about how we can save trees; it is about how the trees might save us.
