Exploring the Nevada desert, the narrative delves into its vast emptiness, which evokes a sense of physical dominance and psychological confusion. The book reflects on the profound impact of this stark landscape, inviting readers to contemplate its haunting beauty and the feelings it stirs within.
In Valley of the Craftsmen, the story of "higher degree" Freemasonry is depicted through portraits, official papers, material objects, photographs, buildings, and stagecraft. Featuring many previously unpublished images, Valley of the Craftsmen begins with rare illustrations of the English and French philosophical sources that were projected upon an American landscape vitalized and transformed by the concept of fraternity. The story is framed by American popular culture and the serious private effort of individual men in small towns and expansive cities who were intent on developing a moral life in service to their communities.
Exploring the interplay between art and environment, this book delves into the works of eight contemporary artists from Nevada. It examines how each artist interprets and reflects the state's rugged and mysterious landscapes in their creations, highlighting the connection between their artistic expression and the unique geographical context of Nevada.
Focusing on the intersection of cognition and landscape, the author explores Los Angeles as a unique case study shaped by the film industry. This city transforms distant places and times into immediate experiences, effectively manipulating our perception of time. Fox argues that time, often overlooked, profoundly influences our surroundings and experiences, revealing its pervasive effects throughout the urban landscape.
Exploring the culture of Las Vegas, the book delves into how the city transforms fantasies of wealth and pleasure into a spectacle that blurs the lines between art and entertainment, as well as public and private interests. It highlights the diminishing influence of unembellished nature and the arts in this environment. Now available in paperback, it provides a unique perspective on the commercialization of nature and culture in America, illustrating how Las Vegas has leveraged these elements to amplify extravagance and spectacle.
Exploring the Great Basin, a vast and largely uncharted desert in the West, the narrative delves into its disorienting landscapes that challenge human perception. The book is divided into three sections: "The Void" examines the overwhelming emptiness of the region, "The Grid" traces the evolution of cartography and human exploration, and "The Sign" reflects on the cultural narratives and metaphors associated with this unique terrain. Through captivating prose, it reveals the interplay between ancient history and modern civilization in this enigmatic expanse.
Exploring the relationship between art and landscape, this book delves into the works of eight contemporary artists from Nevada who engage with the unique and often harsh environments of the Great Basin. Through their innovative creations, these artists—Jim McCormick, Rita Deanin Abbey, Dennis Parks, Walter McNamara, Robert Beckmann, Michael Heizer, Bill Barker, and Mary Ann Bonjorni—reflect and shape perceptions of the American West, revealing the complex interplay between European influences and the region's expansive spaces.
Exploring the theme of self-reinvention in desolate landscapes, the author employs poetry to delve into the human experience within the Great Basin. Through evocative language, he reflects on how individuals shape their identities in some of the most barren environments, offering a profound look at the intersection of place and personal narrative.