Matt Hammerstein (b.1996)
Nightfall in the North Woods, 2017; Golden Morning at Middle Rae Lake, 2014
Materials and Dimensions: Photographic print on metal, 28" x 84" and 30" x 60"
Location at Summa Health: Barberton Hospital, Lobby Classroom
About the Art and the Artist
Matt Hammerstein’s panoramic digital photographs offer a striking exploration of the American West’s vastness and drama. A native of Akron and a University of Akron graduate, Hammerstein relocated to Montana in 2019 to pursue his career as a civil engineer while nurturing his passion for landscape photography.
The two featured works serve as complementary perspectives on time and atmosphere. Nightfall in the North Woods captures a serene lakeside at dusk, where steam rises from the water’s surface, merging with cloud layers in the sky. The scene evokes a quiet, mysterious transition into night. In contrast, Golden Morning at Middle Rae Lake bathes a mountain landscape in the first light of dawn. The crisp reflection on the water’s surface and the balanced symmetry of the peaks convey a profound sense of tranquility and equilibrium.
Hammerstein’s compositions exhibit a careful attention to balance and depth. The centered peak in Golden Morning at Middle Rae Lake forms a strong vertical axis mirrored in the water, reinforcing stillness and harmony. Nightfall in the North Woods employs a dynamic recession of tree lines and misty atmosphere, subtly leading the eye toward a vanishing point where land and sky seem to merge.
The tradition of Western landscape photography has a storied history, dating back to Carleton Watkins and the early documentarians of the 19th century. Later, artists such as Ansel Adams defined the genre with their ability to capture both grandeur and intimacy in nature. Hammerstein follows in this tradition, seeking to express the vastness of the landscapes he encounters and his deep reverence for the natural world.
Where to Find More of the Artist’s Work
Hammerstein shares his journey and portfolio on his personal website, where additional works are available for viewing and purchase. His photography is also on display in the offices of Woith Engineering in Missoula, Montana, and other locations in the region.
The Healing Arts at Summa Health
- Next featured page: Kathleen Hammett
- Homepage: summahealth.org/art
- More artwork in new patient tower