Artwork copyright Michael Williams. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Mt. Rainier/Orion, 2001

Michael Williams
American (born 1950)

Location: Utsalady Elementary, Camano Island

About the Artwork

Mt. Rainier/Orion is a long-exposure photograph by artist Michael Williams. It is part of his series of night-time landscapes that he calls "Stellarscapes" that he began after camping in the Cascade Mountains in 1989. This photo was 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 Stanwood-Camano School District.

About the Artist

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