2S About

2nd Stories: A Hoosier photographer explores what's upstairs, on top, and overhead

PHOTOGRAPHY by John Bower, FOREWORD by Michael Atwood

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Read Michael Atwood's Foreword.
Read John Bower's Introduction.
Read John Bower's Afterword.
Look at sample images.

Get ready to look up—with Hoosier photographer, John Bower. Victorian gingerbread, ornate cornices, limestone creatures, soaring towers, unexpected attics, and much more await your exploration. While many people fail to notice these overhead treasures, Bower has focused all his creative attention on them. The result is 200 fascinating images of what’s upstairs, on top, and overhead. There are also captivating stories of discovery, and an insightful Foreword by Michael Atwood, host of “Across Indiana.” 2nd Stories is an unforgettable journey into the higher, hidden realms of the Hoosier heartland.

In short, 2nd Stories is about coming upon the unexpected that is, remarkably, always present. Because we tend to look straight ahead, we inevitably miss the "higher" dimensions of our daily reality. And there is so much to perceive up there—as 2nd Stories demonstrates. As you turn its pages, you'll discover images of ornate Victorian storefronts, soaring steeples, advertisements, clock towers, and other high-up outdoor wonders. Plus, there are rarely visited attics and upper-level interior spaces at an abbey, a monastery, a Civil War era children's home, an 1860's college building, and more. 2nd Stories will continue to intrigue and fascinate every time you flip through its pages.

The project description and philosophy

Ever since I was a boy, I've been interested in what could be seen by looking up. Overhead, I often noticed carefully crafted architectural details made of wood, brick, iron, stone, or terracotta. I was equally captivated with what lay behind those street-side facades—those upper floors and attics that were probably empty, but just might contain something unexpected. As I grew older, I realized the extent to which such places (my Grandfather's attic, for example) could enrich my life. Because second stories so often go unnoticed, I felt compelled to photograph them in order to share them with others.

There is one common denominator to the images in 2nd Stories—the objects and places portrayed can only be seen by elevating your perspective. That is, you must raise your eyes, or climb above the terra firma, to which gravity, and habit, so firmly adheres us all. I believe that, when you look at these "uplifting" photographs, you'll realize how much you've missed, by having your visual world limited to ground level. In fact, I guarantee you'll begin looking up more often, and the places you live and visit will become dramatically more expansive, exciting, and engaging.

2nd Stories - $22.00.
8.5" x 10" trade paperback, 144 pages, ISBN 0-9745186-2-X


	This book project was made possible in part by the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, with funds from the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.