Photographer Meriwether’s prints on display at CMC Gallery in June, July
By Kristin Carlson
William Meriwether describes his life as a photographer as a rare privilege: “When the scene is worthy and you have the means to capture it,” he said, “you’ve been given an important opportunity.”
Meriwether’s museum-quality, platinum prints and digital photographs, soon to be on display at the Colorado Mountain College Gallery in downtown Glenwood Springs, offer an unforgettable view of the West through the eyes of a man who vivified its rugged, desolate terrain.
A life in landscape
Since childhood, when he learned the ways of a mountain man at his father’s knee, Meriwether has been inspired by the natural world — especially the stark landscapes of remote destinations like the Wheeler Geologic Area.
“It’s 11,000 feet up in the San Juan Mountains,” Meriwether said with barely suppressed glee, “a three-and-a-half-hour, four-wheel drive, one way.”
For Meriwether, knowing where to stop and take a shot involves an instantaneous reaction to awe-inspiring beauty.
“All the images you’ve ever seen come racing back at you until everything, blam, pops into shape,” he said. “There’s a psychological recognition, a snap, and your whole body feels as though it’s been hugged.”
A shattering diagnosis
After 40 years as a professional photographer, college instructor and print maker, during which he mastered the difficult platinum-metals printmaking process, Meriwether discovered he had an advanced case of bone cancer — most likely the result of exposure to the heavy metal toners used in his darkroom.
A sudden fall resulting in temporary paralysis sent Meriwether to Vail Valley Hospital where a trailblazing surgeon fortified his crumbling spine with four metal brackets and a steel rod.
“When I had a complete body X-ray done a while ago,” Meriwether said, “the technicians were all saying: ‘Where’s his backbone? This guy doesn’t have a spine.’ ”
What Meriwether did have was the determination to live his life to the fullest despite a devastating prognosis. Following his diagnosis in 2004, he shifted to digital photography. Although he’s quick to acknowledge that many pros heartily disagree, Meriwether is convinced that “digital photography is infinitely superior to film, because there’s so much more information embedded in every image.”
Meriwether’s only non-digital camera of choice is the Minox, which first came into use as a spy device in World War II.
“Perhaps a dozen professional photographers on the planet are enamored of the Minox,” said Meriwether, who described the images he’s captured with the palm-sized wonder as “optically sharp and aesthetically 19th century.”
A lasting legacy
Throughout the trials of a terminal illness, Meriwether strives to maintain a positive attitude and is quick to count his wife, Bobbie, as one of his best blessings. A concert pianist, despite her complete and profound hearing loss, she continues to fill the home they share with the music of his favorite classical composers.
A loyal group of friends, counselors from Hospice and Pathfinders, and the “entertaining, amusing, spiritual and magical” experience of revisiting his 20,000 landscape images have also helped keep up Meriwether’s spirits.
“I’m pulling out negatives I haven’t seen for 30 years,” he said. “It’s a complete thrill.”
Meriwether, who taught photography as an adjunct instructor at Colorado Mountain College from 1992 to 2004, will display his life’s work at the CMC Gallery at 831 Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs June 4-July 28. An artist’s reception and fundraiser will be held June 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. to help cover mounting medical expenses.
“Because it’s inert, platinum won’t fade,” Meriwether said. “It’s the most durable of all fine artworks on paper, so the image better be worth your while.”
Viewing William Meriwether’s prints and photographs will not only be worth your while, it will be a rare privilege.
Located at 831 Grand Avenue, the CMC Gallery is open weekdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, please call 947-8367.
