Named after a once-thriving Californian 1960’s resort destination, this washed-out series of images taken by the talented stylist and photographer Greta van der Star examines the grandeur often derived from the American dream but rarely obtained. As with all of van der Star’s photography, Miracle Hill is shot entirely on film – a subject Greta […]
Miracle Hill
Named after a once-thriving Californian 1960’s resort destination, this washed-out series of images taken by the talented stylist and photographer Greta van der Star examines the grandeur often derived from the American dream but rarely obtained.
As with all of van der Star’s photography, Miracle Hill is shot entirely on film – a subject Greta and I love to chat about, but I also feel it’s grain and colour saturation play a deliberate roll in this series of photographs too. Almost like a play on time.
There’s a feeling of desolation throughout, and a quiet, observant quality that is highlighted by the pastel architecture of Desert Hot Springs. The once vibrant colours feel abandoned and left to drench in the Californian sunlight, it’s both haunting and beautiful at the same time. Isolated Joshua trees, empty swimming pools reveal a lonely desperation, and a moonscape in the middle of the California desert which was discovered by chance after a run-in with a rattlesnake and getting lost!
Miracle Hill is on display and available for purchase from Simon James Concept Store. Top of my Christmas wish list for sure. x
