Matthew Parker - Fountains of Life

The images in this show were taken during a twenty day hike of the John Muir trail in California's Sierra's during July and August, 2009. A longtime fan of both backpacking and photography, Matthew Parker dreamed of this hike during two deployments to Iraq with the US Army Reserve. His vision reflects a deep appreciation for beauty, made clear in contrast to the violence of war.

"When I set out to hike, I expected to find jagged peaks, winding streams and blooming flowers. I found those things and more: stunning beauty, peace, wildness, and the renewal of a soul sapped by human conflict. Come and let these images renew your soul as the experience of creating them has renewed mine." -Matthew Parker