There is something compelling about Ross Hall's photographs, something that makes them as powerful today (or more so) than they were when he first created them beginning in the 1930s. Some of his photos are so obviously posed, others so stylized and dramatic they could easily come off as silly under a less skillful eye. Yet what comes through in the unmistakably lush grayscale of traditional black and white photos is Hall's sincerity and reverence for the north Idaho landscape and those who populated it. His artful liberties with his subject matter were a hallmark of his generation, like Maxfield Parrish through the lens, simply a matter of style.
And the results were often stunning, like "Fishermen's Phantasy," left.
One of the most popular images from 1934 image, entitled "It's a Wonderful Life," a depiction of a snowy Sandpoint First Avenue. Other memorable images include his stunning winter scenes, beautiful landscape photos, and works portraying life for a panoply of loggers, Native Americans, townsfolk and recreational fishermen.
All in all, Hall amassed more than 60,000 negatives, according to his website, which also includes a treasure chest of information about Hall, his beloved and recently passed-away wife, Hazel, and son Dann.
The photos themselves are, to be sure, beautiful to look at. And with a twinge of nostalgia, one can't help but feel the pangs for a time that seemed simpler and a landscape more majestic and wild. Moreso than the photos, though, is the appeal of the story of Ross Hall himself: a pioneer of sorts who overcame adversity to engage in a lifelong romance with everything he photographed. What a legacy.
At Entree Gallery Reeder Bay location, Nordman (Idaho), 208.443.2001. Through September 30th.
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