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For many Coloradans, the devastation of late December’s Marshall fire brought to mind one question: How can I help? Artifact Uprising—a Denver company that designs and makes custom photo books and prints that stand out for their modern, elegant aesthetic—already had an answer. Nearly a decade ago, in its first year of business, the company created a print set to support wildfire relief efforts in the state. Today, it’s launching a similar initiative: a pack of 10 five-by-seven-inch prints ($18) of stunning images captured and donated by Colorado photographers that will be available for purchase through Sunday, February 13. All profits will go to Community Foundation Boulder County.
“When the Marshall fire disaster happened, we knew we had to do something to support our Boulder County neighbors and team members who had lost so much,” Kristin Peters, Artifact Uprising’s chief marketing officer, says. “Because Artifact’s focus is on photo books and decor, we tapped into our community of photographers to find a way that we could give back.”
We asked a few of the participating artists to tell us the stories behind their images and why they chose to be a part of the project.
Stephen Martin | @explorewithmedia
The Image: “This is the saddle/ridge descending from the summit of Mt. Sneffels in the San Juan Mountains. It was taken in early September 2019. It started off as a solo adventure between me and my dog, but we ended up meeting three other creatives two nights before our summit hike, while camping at Island Lake near Ouray, and decided to summit it together as a team.”
The Why: “Participating this way gives me the ability to leverage a skill that I am good at to give support where needed. I’m not a first responder, or a firefighter for that matter, but we can all still do our part to give back to those communities that were hit the hardest.”
Mimi McCormick | @meemscakes
The Image: “This was taken in my sister’s backyard, up in the foothills of north Boulder. They live in a dreamy A-frame up there, and this house sits tucked away in their backyard. We always joke that one day I’ll buy this house and be their neighbor, living in a miniature version of their home, far closer than they’d probably want me to live.”
The Why: “It’s so beautiful out here that after six years, I’ve started to take it for granted. Just how many unique mountain landscapes can I really take?, I ask myself often, in a slightly jaded way. But then something like the Marshall fire happens, and you realize how unique every mountain, every scape, every corner of Colorado is. It makes me want to take more photos, to further preserve that beauty in another, lasting way.”
Tyler Stableford | @tylerstableford
The Image: “I captured this image of two bull moose at Maroon Lake below the iconic Maroon Bells. It was fun to see them interacting and knocking antlers occasionally.”
The Why: “The Marshall fire gave me yet another reminder of the fragility and the preciousness of life and, most importantly, of our relationships. Our friends, neighbors, and communities are so important for joy and resilience in our lives.”
