Last of the Desert Light
The last pink glow of the desert sunset over brush.
Product details and framing information located at bottom of page.
The last pink glow of the desert sunset over brush.
Product details and framing information located at bottom of page.
The last pink glow of the desert sunset over brush.
Product details and framing information located at bottom of page.
Last of the Desert Light
In the early part of 2022, while I was still living in Seattle, I took off on an entirely unplanned road trip. Most of my previous trips were a combination of planned and unplanned exploration, usually a set destination with an undetermined route. With semi-regular theatre work in Boise, I often took varying routes to and from specifically to see more of the terrain between. Creating the additional travel time for exploration I would seek out campsites, spend nights in a forest or near a riverbank; breaking up the drive. Usually, my trips had a purpose and destination to them. However, when a stressful event took me past my breaking point, I knew then that I needed to step away but didn’t know where to.
Leaving Seattle, I drove through Washington and down into central Oregon. I spent a little time in Bend, found some rest from driving and food, then continued towards the Southeast corner where I had only been once before experiencing Alvord Desert. Before leaving Bend, and while I was connected to the local library’s free Wi-Fi, I looked up information on the small towns that dotted this corner of the state. Finding a couple of promising waypoints, I then began looking for potential destinations.
In my typical fashion I sought things off the beaten path. I looked for historical sites, interesting peaks, gorges, and lakes. Anything that took me off the main roadways. And then, with many browser tabs open, I found what I was looking for. Located about 30 miles off highway 395 in the Oregon desert was a public sunstone collection site with available camping spots. What is a sunstone? I had no idea, but in a few hours, I was going to find out!
Driving such distances and through areas of little traffic gives one a lot of time to think. I needed time to think. Finding steady work in my field had been challenging for some time and my days were becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. The city I loved was changing rapidly, daily life was becoming highly competitive, and quality rest fleeting. Arguments with my girlfriend were becoming more frequent and angrier. I knew I was no longer happy and was steadily spiraling further downward. A change was needed but I couldn’t think straight, I needed this space.
"Don’t forget: Beautiful sunsets need cloudy skies…" – Paul Coelho
Framed Print Examples
I turned off 395 and, after some time and what some may call “spirited driving” along the dirt roads, I came to the collection site. Reading the information placards I learned about the area: where the public was allowed, what a sunstone was, and how to search for them. I found a place off in the brush to park, set up my basic campsite, and wandered about. I collected a moderate handful of these little honey yellow stones and planned to share them with my nephew who had a small rock tumbler.
Then, after making my dinner, I settled into my camp chair, quietly took in the expanse around me, and gave myself permission to be sad. Really, truly, honestly sad. For, it was through this solitude and sadness that I could finally form the questions I needed to ask myself and give each question the time and needed consideration to answer. I worked this way into the evening, giving each question and answer over to nature’s pace. And, as the sun gathered its remaining light from the desert sky, I answered my final question . My mind had cleared.
-Kenrick Fischer
Image Location: High Desert, Southeast Oregon
Most prints are made to order as I keep minimal stock, please allow time for me to print your order. Thanks!
Images are printed on fine art paper with archival inks.
Large prints (A1 and up) are printed to order from Saal Digital, please allow additional time for these orders.
Custom made frames available at Frame Destination
