Being on a winning team is a great feeling and I am lucky enough to have been on such a team. One of our players is a talented writer, so rather than my telling you this story, I am sharing his words with you. (Note his brilliant title above!)
Through the years, Elmore and Miles DeMott have creatively paired words and images in their roles as photographer and writer, but their most recent project is the first to literally win “Best of Show.”
Chulee: Spirit of the Pine Tree uses the life cycle of a pine tree to examine the connection between humans and the nature that surrounds us. The fine art photography offers evocative views of even the smallest details while the mythical narrative explores the tree’s view of the forest. The two stories, words and images, were joined together by graphic designer Erika Tracy, who submitted the project for the 2015 ADDY Awards, a three-tier competition sponsored by the American Advertising Federation to recognize and reward creative excellence in advertising.
A panel of three advertising veterans hailing from Tennessee, Iowa, and Canada, completed a rigorous evaluation of all creative dimensions of every entry. The DeMott-Tracy collaboration captured the Gold ADDY in the Book Design category, propelling Chulee to the second tier of the competition, one of 15 district ADDYs, where a win could mean a national spotlight. The judges also recognized Chulee as “Best of Show” across all categories and entries.
While enjoying their time in the sun, the three branches of this project continue to grow their roots in commercial content creation. Erika Tracy remains committed to innovative graphic design, Elmore DeMott captures the delicate waltz of light and shadows, and Miles DeMott pursues the perfect turn of phrase.
Now I invite you to continue on the Camera Journey as I create new work in the great outdoors. In case inquiring minds want to know you can still purchase your copy of Chulee by clicking here, and I am pleased to announce my work is now for sale at the Sportsman’s Gallery and Paderewski Fine Art in Charleston.