Watchmen comes full circle
On occasion over the years I’ve given away free prints to people where I’ve captured an image of their “scape” – be it a farmscape, landscape, or other type of setting. A few weeks ago I drove out to Black Walnut on Hwy H in St. Charles and delivered a few prints including Watchmen.
It was really nice to meet the property owners and share a gift with them. They were very appreciative. When I delivered Watchmen I met Gladys Heitman. Gladys has lived on the farm for decades, but alone since 2005 when her husband passed away. When I told her who I was and my purpose to give back to her, she was thrilled. I shared with her that Watchmen hangs on walls in homes and institutions from California to Germany and all points in between while winning numerous awards. She could hardly believe it.
We chatted for about 10-15 minutes with her telling me about her farm and how she loves to see wheat, her favorite crop, in all seasons. From the small green shoots that emerge in spring to the amber waves that flow for acres before the harvest – she loves it all. I had to agree with her.
After we reminisced for a bit, I got around to asking her about the “shack” that is the central element in the photograph. Almost every time I sell the image the buyer asks me what kind of building it is. I usually respond with “I don’t know. Maybe a shed to store farm tools.”
Well now I do know. AT&T built and owned the “shack” for access to underground equipment they had running through the area. Not used any longer it sits empty and unkempt- which is just the right type of element that can make a photograph.
Now, if you’re an owner of Watchmen the mystery has been solved – and you can thank Gladys Heitman for that.
