At first glance the images in this series are familiar looking natural forms - tree roots, bark, stones, and plants - but then they become something else - something not seen before.  The source material are roots of toppled trees that line the banks of the Mississippi River near my home in St. Paul.  A closer look reveals unusual organic shapes and primordial forms - as if they have always existed in the inner life of these trees, and are now released. 

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 The roots were eroded by flood waters over the decades, then dried in the summer sun, unveiling beautiful textures, colors, and patterns.  Ancient shades of brown, blue, gold, and gray, are exposed in the underbelly of these wonderful trees.  A simple process of mirroring a solo, un-manipulated photograph unearths an otherworldly, unforeseen, un-photograph. 

 

 I continue to explore the banks of the Mississippi to find more trees and roots to photograph for this ongoing series,

Meet Me By the River.  There is always more to discover and share.          James Byrne

 

               This new series is available for exhibition.  Please contact James Byrne, byrnefilms@gmail.com for more information.