George Masa's Wild Vision: A Japanese Immigrant Imagines Western North Carolina

George Masa, a self-taught photographer, arrived in Asheville, North Carolina, at the turn of the twentieth century. His photographs from the 1920s and early 1930s capture the transition of the southern Appalachians, including railroads, roads, and an activist community. His images became a critical piece of the argument for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and were hailed as the "Ansel Adams of the Smokies." Despite his success, Masa died destitute and unknown in 1933.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Hub City Press

Self-taught photographer George Masa, born Masahara Iizuka in Osaka, Japan, arrived in Asheville, North Carolina, at the turn of the twentieth century, amidst a period of great transition in the southern Appalachians. Masa's photographs from the 1920s and early 1930s offer stunning glimpses into an era characterized by the ruthless exploitation of old-growth timber, the relentless destruction of hillsides through road construction, and the emergence of an activist community fighting for the creation of a new national park.

Masa began documenting the nearby mountains and actively contributed to mapping the Appalachian Trail. His unique perspective and intimate knowledge of the landscape became instrumental in advocating for the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His images, combined with his compelling storytelling, convinced John D. Rockefeller to donate $5 million for initial land purchases. Despite being hailed as the "Ansel Adams of the Smokies," Masa tragically died in 1933, leaving behind a legacy that was largely forgotten and overlooked.

In George Masa's Wild Vision: A Japanese Immigrant Imagines Western North Carolina, poet and environmental organizer Brent Martin delves into the locations Masa visited, employing first-person narratives to contrast, lament, and celebrate the condition of the landscape that the photographer so deeply cherished and tirelessly worked to interpret and protect. The book features seventy-five of Masa's photographs, accompanied by Martins reflections on Masa's life and work.

Through his lens, Masa captured the raw beauty and fragility of the natural world, revealing the profound impact of human activities on the environment. His images serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation and the need to preserve our natural heritage for future generations. Masa's legacy continues to inspire and motivate individuals and communities to protect and preserve the environment.

Brent Martin's book offers a fresh perspective on the life and work of George Masa, shedding light on the overlooked contributions of a Japanese immigrant to the conservation movement and the preservation of the American landscape. It serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of a photographer's vision.

Dimension: 234 x 190 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781938235931