Painting Islands by Howie Motenko
This project explores participatory art using the photographic technique known as “light-painting” with the island residents on all 15 of Maine’s unbridged, year-round island communities.
For each island, the collaboration begins with islanders selecting a subject — a place, a landscape — that resonates most strongly within the community. A team of volunteer islanders assemble at dusk wielding flashlight back and forth to “paint” their iconic scene with light, while creating a long exposure photograph.
Each island’s preparation includes: scouting the location for the camera location, pre-visualizing the areas to light and others to remain in shadow, and consider where to hide the “light-painters.” The image is captured about 20 minutes after sunset, coinciding with the blue hour producing vivid blue skies.
At dusk, the shoot morphs into an organic, creative process that makes the evening so special. No one including the photographer knows what the image will look like. There are so many variables: who participates, different types of flashlights, which areas are illuminated, and when is success declared.
These images’ beauty reflect each community’s spirit, trust, and camaraderie. We are grateful to each island’s residents for embracing the project and welcoming us as a partner.
