First Flight

Madras, Oregon
I am continually drawn to the simplicity and hand-made touches of this stunning work of art. I feel a sense of connection to it. Every sheet of aluminum so purposefully placed around a honeycomb of metal boxes held all together by thousands of rivets. The legends who built these planes were true artisans!  

So many DC-3’s had been drafted for wartime use in the 1940’s, and I wanted to capture the sense of mystery the pilots must have felt before take off. The sky on this day was the perfect aesthetic to create that vision. In the distance, you have these ominous clouds that resemble the unknown – with gleaming rays of hopeful light that are just starting to break through. From this rear angle, you can almost imagine what it feels like to launch into the atmosphere without knowing what the future holds. The craft itself is like a soldier about to go into battle, perfectly streamlined and aerodynamically forged to glide through the blustery winds of the sky. I can almost feel the soul of this machine – brave, dignified, and at the ready to serve its country.

45 Artist Proof / 950 Limited Edition