Not only was Wright Morris a terrific photographer, but he was also a gifted writer. While Morris is more known for his literary accomplishments, such as Field of Vision and Plains Song that won the National Book Award in 1957 and 1980, I am drawn to his pictures, which he has accompanied with words.

Morris pioneered the concept of the “photo-text” in the 1940s, combining his photography with his writing to tell a story. His photo-text books included The Inhabitants, The Home Place and God’s Country and My People.

The Friends of Photography published Photographs and Words in 1982; it focuses on Morris’ wonderful black and white photographs of rural scenes, interiors and found objects taken in the Midwest during the late 1930s through 1950.  This was an intense period of photographic exploration for Morris. After this time he focused mostly on his writing.  Too bad, but I imagine it is difficult to practice two crafts at such a high level at the same time. Or maybe, writing just became more important. So we don’t have a lot of Wright Morris compared to some of my other favorite black and white photographers, but I am happy with what there is. Almost like the Beatles … they really were not around for that long a period of time, but said what they wanted to say and that was it. Their music was great and I never get tired of listening to it … same thing with Morris’ photographs … I never get tired of looking at them!

Photographs and Words is really one of my favorite books. What makes this book so special is that you have both wonderful images from the American heartland, made at a time now long past, as well as a fascinating introductory essay by Morris that discusses his photographic life.  It’s amazing how captivating pictures of common objects such as eating utensils, the contents of a dresser drawer or old coats hanging on a wall become as a result of Morris’ acute vision.  In a time where almost everything is a disposable commodity, from the things we purchase, to the artifacts of our culture, Morris’ intensely seen views of the everyday from a simpler and in some ways better time rings true to me.  When I think about the times we live in and the selfishness of so many around me, I can sit down in a comfortable chair, open Morris’ book and be transported to that different time and place … and for a little while feel a little better.

Stay well,

Michael