Artwork copyright Michael Williams. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Comet Pseudo-Panorama, 2002

Michael Williams
American (born 1950)

Location: Monument Elementary, Quincy

About the Artwork

Comet Pseudo-Panorama is part of artist Michael Williams' series of long-exposure, night-time landscapes that he calls "Stellarscapes". He began the series after camping in the Cascade Mountains in 1989. This artwork is made up of four overlayed images. The photos were taken at night using a combination of planned techniques and spontaneity, including holding the camera shutter open for up to four minutes. Commenting on why he does it, Williams notes that "Ever since my childhood home in Tacoma was wiped out by I-5, I guess I've been looking for my place in the universe… it's a good excuse to stay out all night. Mostly, though, I'm still hoping to find my place in the universe."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Quincy School District.

About the Artist

Seattle-based photographer Michael Williams captures long-exposure landscape images taken at night, which he terms "Stellarscapes".