Henry Gilpin was a truly great photographer and human being. I had the good fortune to meet him during the mid 1980s when I took two workshops with John Sexton in Carmel, California. Afterwards, I had the further good fortune of having career responsibilities that periodically took me out to the San Francisco and Silicon Valley for the next ten years or so. Whenever I was there I always figured out a way to get down to the Monterey Peninsula to visit with John if he was around, but always with Henry and his wonderful wife Doris. He always made time to see me, often for spur of the moment flybys. I remember making several five hour round trips from San Francisco to Monterey just to get together for short visit or dinner. It was always worth the drive!
He was absolutely world class, but didn’t have a pretentious bone in his body. Probably one of the most unselfish people I’ve ever met and certainly one of the best teachers I’ve had the fortune to learn from. Henry remains far less known then he should be. Most likely because he was not a big self-promoter and probably didn’t care too much about that sort of thing. What he really cared about was making wonderful photographs and teaching others how to do the same thing. One of my most prized possessions is his stupendous Highway 1. When I was getting ready to purchase that print I asked what his favorite size for it was. 11×14 – so that’s what I bought! It hangs on a wall in my workroom, right next to the entrance to my darkroom. I spend a lot of time in both rooms so I see it often.
Another prized possession is my signed copy of an exquisite little book, Henry Gilpin, Photographs. Typical of Henry; he never told me it existed. It’s a somewhat rare book, published in 1997 by the Monterey Museum of Art to commemorate the exhibition of his work. I found out about it by accident while rummaging around the Internet … sadly, a couple of years after he passed away in 2011.
It’s a small slender book containing nineteen jewel-like black and white images inside, and a real one attached onto the cover. All of his best works, including Highway 1 and Wonder Lake, just to mention two of them. To top it off it includes an eloquently written essay by John Sexton, Henry’s one time workshop student, colleague and long-time friend. I keep it in a protective plastic bag, prized possession that it is. When I look at it I admire his work and think the many fond memories I have. I can’t say enough about this wonderful book. Suffice to say, if you appreciate beautifully seen and created black and white photographs of the land you should endeavor to find a copy. It can be found occasionally at used bookstores and on eBay. Start looking … if you find one you won’t regret the effort!!
The artist is always more interesting than the art…the art can speak for itself but the exchange with the artist is priceless!!
Hey Peter! Henry was a real one of a kind and I was lucky to have known him. In this case both the art and the man were equally great.
It was great to speak with you and I look forward to meeting you in person soon!
Best,
Michael
I see something really special in this web site.
Thanks you!
Andrew,
Good to hear from you! It was a truly wonderful experience. You should check out David’s website for a complete list of who he has printed for. Impressive!
Best,
Michael
I happen to be commenting to make you be aware of what a nice encounter my cousin’s girl obtained reading through
your webblog. She learned several details, which include what
it’s like to have an amazing helping mindset
to get the mediocre ones smoothly know precisely specified complicated things.
You actually exceeded readers’ expectations. Thanks for
churning out the priceless, trusted, educational and even cool guidance on this topic to Emily.
Many thanks!
Best,
Michael
Thanks for finally talking about >Henry Gilpin, Photographs | Michael Marks Photography <Liked it!
Thanks for weighing in. Henry was great!
Best,
Michael
I just purchased a signed copy of this catalog at a local used book store for $4.00! I was not familiar with his work but immediately fell in love with the images in the book. Yours is about the only information i could find online about Gilpin so thanks for sharing your story.
Robert,
Thanks for stopping by! I am glad you found the book it’s a beauty and Henry was a wonderful photographer!
Best wishes,
Michael
Hmmmm.. now I know what to keep my eyes open for!
I had Mr Gilpin as a photography teacher many years ago. Unfortunately I was only ever able to take the one class, but I have some nice prints as a result. One day, maybe I’ll get to go back to doing my own printing again.
Christina,
Thanks for checking in! You were very lucky. Henry was a wonderful person and teacher. I sincerely hope you do go back to printing again.
Best wishes,
Michael
Of all things, I miss that weird smell LoL