The 2009 Essence of Bellingham Photo Competition results are in! Thanks to all who participated in capturing, sharing, and preserving the essence of Bellingham. The winning entries will be on display at the Whatcom Museum Jun 5-7 as well as on Bellingham TV Channel 10. Best of show and class winners will be presented certificates at the Jun 29th City Council meeting starting at 7 p.m.
1st Place
"Blissfully Unaware" by Sandi Heinrich (Professional)
Jury Statement
This photograph, rich with imagery, is anything but “unaware.” The
baby’s dynamic face, uplifted eyebrows and other vivid expressions speak
volumes about hope. This child has expectations! The photographer
captured an amazing moment of expression on the faces of both the baby
and our President; the new-to-the-world softness of the child juxtaposed
against the serious, determined look of newly-inaugurated President
Obama. We’re relying on both President and baby to chart our future. The
other figures in the photograph are fully engaged in rapt attention to
this historic moment. This is Bellingham, in celebration, in our
cherished Mount Baker Theatre on Inaugural Day 2009.
2nd Place
"Chomp!" by Elijah Forslof (K-4th Grade)
Jury Statement
Here the photographer plays cultural anthropologist, documenting one of
Bellingham’s many colorful street art pieces. We may read this
interesting photograph in many ways. Our young photographer saw a dragon
“chomping” on a cable. Others may see an iconic figure in a
non-conventional setting, creating strong ties with Bellingham’s
non-conventional culture. Still others may see Christian iconography
mixed with pop culture. No matter what the viewer sees, this photograph
is a remarkable example of a found image –our clever young photographer
found it, found it colorful, amusing and original, and framed it really
beautifully. Finding art in unexpected places, some temporary, some
permanent, is part of Bellingham’s charm.
3rd Place "Marine Park at Sunset" by
Paul Israel (College)
Jury Statement
Who wouldn’t love this spot? A million-dollar view and everyone can
enjoy it, and these people are fully enjoying it. We can almost smell
the sea air and feel the joy of these friends soaking up the mid-summer
sunset. This photograph is beautifully framed, with diagonal lines
leading into the serene faces of the people. While the people in this
shot present a new twist on the oft-photographed Bellingham sunset, the
light is the star of this image. The photographer caught a hint of this
amazing light on the subject’s faces. The light also emphasizes the many
rich beach textures - the jagged Chuckanut sandstone, the slippery
eelgrass in the cove - and dances on the water with an other-worldly
energy.
5-8th Grade
"The Big Snow" by Joshua Lingbloom
High School
"Civic Track Meet" by Pete Sundberg
Amateur
"You and Me Under the Sea" by Sally Lubetich
