Many visual examinations of Detroit in recent years have focused on the city’s abandonment, fires, buildings or history.
A new photography book examines an old part of Detroit – Belle Isle – in a novel, beguiling way.
Fine-art photographer Bill Schwab captures the beauty of Belle Isle in various moods and in various types of weather. Like the island, the book is special. It contains only 11 photographs. And it costs $100.
Schwab has photographed Belle Isle since the 1990s. He visits in the early morning or under moonlight or when snow and fog have settled on the canals and meadows. His photos are haunting, and they give the park a romantic sheen.
“The place just seems to call out to me at moody, quiet times,” said Schwab. “I guess I like to show the softer side of the city.”
The last page in the book is an original sepia-toned, silver gelatin print of Okonoka Lagoon which is removable and suitable for framing. It depicts a tree-lined jut of land that glows brightly on the horizon.
“Belle Isle” is the fourth in a line of collectible art books called the 11 + 1 Signature Series. It offers 11 black-and-white duotones and one original print, signed and numbered by the artist.
Schwab, 52, lives in Dearborn and sells his photographs, whose subjects range from northern Michigan to Iceland, around the world. He also is a teacher of photography, and leads photo excursions to various locales.
The 11 + 1 Signature Series is offered through Schwab’s publishing company, North Light Press. Each book costs $100. “Belle Isle” is the first one to show Schwab’s work. Books in the series are released in limited editions of 100, making them highly collectible.
For more information, go to http://www.northlightpress.com/schwab/belle_isle.html
