Known for both her landscapes and portraits, Mary Randlett began
documenting iconic Northwest artists like Mark Tobey and Morris Graves
in 1949. In 1963, Theodore Roethke asked her to photograph him in his
Seattle home--hers were the last pictures taken of the poet before his
death, and they garnered international attention. In addition to Graves,
Tobey, and Roethke, Mary Randlett Portraits includes renowned artists
Jacob Lawrence and George Tsutuakawa; writers Tom Robbins, Henry Miller,
and Colleen McElroy; arts patrons Betty Bowen and Richard Fuller; and
more.
Randlett's portraits are known for their effortless intimacy,
illuminating her subjects as few ever saw them--something noted by many
of those whom she photographed. The portraits are accompanied by
biographical sketches written by Frances McCue, which blend life stories
and reflections on the works with Randlett's own reminiscences. McCue
also provides an essay on Randlett's life and professional career.
Randlett's photographs represent an artistic and literary history of the
Pacific Northwest. No other book brings together these important
historical figures from the rich past and present of this region. A
curated collection of ninety photographs from the more than six hundred
portraits she took of Northwest artists, writers, and cultural
luminaries, Mary Randlett Portraits documents the region's artistic
legacy through one woman's camera lens.
Watch the book trailer: https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5MZ6fRwfzU
