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 Andrew Wyeth, A. Hale Johnson and Edward Hopper, Jim’s photographs open like windows to a world that is rapidly disappearing before our eyes. Originally starting this journey in his home state of Vermont, Jim now travels the country “visually preserving” as many of these American treasures as possible before they entirely disappear.

Out in the field, Westphalen uses a vintage 4×5 view camera adapted for digital capture to create his imagery. Once back in his studio, he uses proprietary processing methods to create his signature painterly look. The prints themselves are made using archival pigment inks on 100% acid free matte rag papers. Three coats of optically clear varnish are then applied to protect the prints from the elements, UV rays and handling. All Jim’s prints are created in limited editions.

Largely self-taught, Westphalen has been a professional photographer for over 30 years. His work is exhibited in galleries and museums across the country and is published and collected 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.