| The
Artist's Perspective
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Porter took eleven boating trips through Glen Canyon. He discovered
the unique features of this beautiful place. On his first trip through
the canyon, Porter was amazed and overwhelmed by its beauty. Every
time he saw a potential camera shot, a new one appeared. Glen Canyon's
impressive walls of red sandstone were carved by water over millions
of years, creating intriguing shapes and colors. Porter recalled: |
"... the first canyon experience is too
overwhelming to let you take in more than the broadest features
and boldest strokes. The eye is numbed by vastness and magnificence,
and passes over the fine detail...The big features, the massive
walls and towers, the shimmering vistas, the enveloping light, are
all hypnotizing.”  |
| Along with its striking beauty, the
canyon also had smaller treasures: special plants, animals, and
ancient Native American drawings, which gave the canyon additional
importance. Porter, Brower, and others felt the canyon was a national
treasure that should be preserved.
"It is reflection that imparts magic to
the waters of the Glen Canyon and its tributaries. Every pool and
rill, every sheet of flowing water, every wet rock and seep —
these mirror with enameled luster the world about....”
— Eliot Porter
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