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Monday, April 8, 2024

Building Bridges


Residing in the heart of Illinois, nestled alongside the majestic flow of the Mississippi River, I've been privileged to call this vibrant region home for the majority of my life. Among its defining features are the bridges that connect us with neighboring Iowa, providing vital arteries for travel and commerce. While two main bridges serve as primary conduits between our states, the landscape is dotted with three additional bridges, offering diverse pathways for crossing into Iowa's embrace.

Having been a part of this community for years, I've found myself drawn to these architectural marvels, capturing their essence through my lens and immortalizing their grandeur in a series of paintings, a selection of which is showcased below. One significant event that unfolded in recent memory was the poignant spectacle of the former I-74 bridge being dismantled in 2023/24, making way for the construction of a new, modern span that now stands as a testament to progress and resilience.

Amidst the backdrop of these engineering feats, the surrounding wildlife flourishes, providing endless inspiration and delight for my artistic endeavors. From the graceful flight of birds to the playful antics of river otters, the natural world teems with life, offering a rich tapestry of subjects to photograph and paint. In this corner of the world, where man-made structures harmonize with the beauty of nature, every moment is an opportunity to capture the essence of our dynamic surroundings.





Former Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge
also known as Twin Bridges (I-74)

Building new I-74 bridge alongside former bridge


 Fred Schwengel Memorial Bridge
also known as Mississippi River Bridge (I-80)

Centennial Bridge also known as
Master Sargeant Stanley W Talbot Memorial Bridge


 

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