Jim Westphalen - Biography

Photographer, Jim Westphalen has always had an affinity for the built landscape; those features and patterns reflecting human occupation within the natural surroundings. His current body of work entitled, Vanish is an ongoing narrative that speaks to the decay of iconic structures in rural America. Inspired by such painters as A. Hale Johnson, Andrew Wyeth and Edward Hopper, Jim’s photographs open like windows to a world that is rapidly disappearing before our eyes. He captures his dynamic landscapes using a vintage 4x5 (film) view camera that has been adapted for digital capture. He then processes his imagery using proprietary methods that create a unique painterly feel. The effect is further enhanced by employing matte finish rag papers for the prints themselves. Largely self taught, Westphalen has been a professional photographer for over 30 years. His work is widely published and collected both nationally and abroad. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, in 1996 he moved to Vermont to be closer to the rural landscape that he loves. He lives with his wife Kendra in Shelburne, Vermont where he also runs his studio.

The Printing Process

The photographs in this collection are archival pigment prints made on 100% acid free rag papers in limited editions. The image stability of pigment ink printing is superior to that of any other method of photographic printing, including traditional silver-halide, Chromogenic or metal-based. Each print is invisibly protected by an archival varnish coating.

Please inquire directly to purchase limited edition prints. Call 802-660-0460 or email jim@jimwestphalen.com.

CV

Exhibitions

Helmholz Fine Art - Apres Ski Exhibition (Group Show)

2019

Shelburne Museum - New England Now (Group Show)

2018 - 2019

Helmholz Fine Art - Kaleidoscope (Group Show)

2018

West Branch Gallery - A Reverent Eye (Two person show with painter Charlie Hunter)

2018

Helmholz Fine Art - Changing Horizons (Group Show)

2018

West Branch Gallery - Winterscapes (Solo Show)

2017

Edgewater Gallery- Looking In, Looking Out (Group Show)

2017

Helmholz Fine Art - Aurora Winter Art Montage (Group Show)

2016

Edgewater Gallery - Vanish (Solo Show)

2016

Edgewater Gallery - Winterscapes (Solo Show)

2015

Vermont Metro Gallery - Vanish (Solo Show)

2014

Vermont Life Magazine - Vermont by Vermonters (Group Show)

2013

Edgewater Gallery - Landscapes (Group Show)

2013

Robert Hull Fleming Museum - Architectural Improvisation: A History of Vermont's Design/ Build Movement

2008 (Group Show)

Permanent Collections

Robert Hull Fleming Museum

Vermont Medical Center

Curator Testimonials

The success of Jim's photography is due in part, no doubt, to his keen observance and sensitivity, as well as his artistic perfectionism. Perhaps what strikes us most about Jim's work, is his ability to capture and present images whose effects are complex, and almost dual in nature; highly-defined, yet ethereal. Stark, yet soft. Whether it is the bold and saturated greens of deep summer, or the cool white in the quiet of a January morning, Jim's photographs bring to life the essence of a place, providing the viewer with the sense of being "there". Edgewater Gallery has enjoyed exhibiting Jim's photography since 2012. His high standards, professionalism, and warm personality make him a joy to work with. We look forward to our continued relationship, and the opportunity to expand the audience for his beautiful images. -Kate Strekalovsky Smith Manager Edgewater Gallery at the Falls Middlebury, Vermont