Elm Fortress
by Jill Love
Title
Elm Fortress
Artist
Jill Love
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
I saw an article about the largest living elm tree in America. It was dying. And arborists could not save it. It happened to be a few hours from my home. It sits in a farmer's cornfield in Buckley, Michigan, outside of Traverse City. It is estimated to be 300 years old. The Svec Family Farm has been its home for a lifetime.
In September 1997, the tree gained celebrity status for becoming the national champion elm. The trunk circumference was 23.5 feet and the crown is 115 feet across. It remained the champion until it began its slow decline and lost height and width due to breakage. The National Register of Big Trees is who gave this giant its title.
So on a cold, moody winter's day in approximately 2000, I drove out into the middle of nowhere and photographed this majestic beauty while he was still in decent shape. I've been back several times. I won't even show the images of what became of him. My husband and I trekked out into the field on our last visit to say goodbye and collect a piece of his remnants. I still have them.
He lives on through images made by many a photographer. He graces the pages of a book by famous tree photographer, James Balog. I found his version of the image some time after I had captured this 35 mm film image myself.
Uploaded
January 25th, 2016
Statistics
Viewed 1,458 Times - Last Visitor from Beverly Hills, CA on 03/28/2024 at 10:06 PM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments (71)
Calvin Boyer
In addition to the banner, I am adding this more permanent recognition of its FEATURE on the homepage of A TREE OR TREES IN BLACK AND WHITE. I try mightily to feature only images that would be at home in a juried competition. No doubt that this image fits that bill. CONGRATULATIONS! And consider adding your image to DISCUSSIONS "Please post your featured photograph here" for greater, long-lasting visibility.
Christopher James
One of your peers nominated this image in the 1000 views Groups nominated images by your fellow artist in the Special Features #14 promotion discussion. Please visit and pass on the love to another artist.....L/F/Tw
Christopher James
Congratulation.....your wonderful work has been featured in the 1000 Views on 1 Image Group l/f/p
Becky Miller
Usually, black and white is somewhat harsh, and I would have expected that from a leaf-less tree, but you have created a soft and comforting image here despite all that, and it really does fit your title. Very nice.
Jill Love replied:
Thank you, Becky. It's one of the most emotional pieces I've ever done so it's close to my heart.