A visionary moved by the earth's plight

The ParkeHarrisons don't take shortcuts. Each image takes several weeks of continuous work to complete. Their artistic journey begins by investigating a variety of subjects, including art, film, theater, dance, as well as texts on spirituality, literature, and mythology. During this research stage, says Robert, they are "filling the well" with possible ideas. Then they choose one idea for which they construct a set and sculptures out of their home studio in Great Barrington, Mass.

The work is subsequently moved outdoors - but only at dawn or dusk or on "a perfect cloudy day," he says. "We prefer softened light, and the quality of outdoor light at those times is exactly as we like it." After experimenting with various gestures and movements, Robert takes his agreed-upon pose as Everyman and Shana gets behind the camera to further direct the action before she releases the shutter.

Back in the darkroom, the ParkeHarrisons produce paper negatives, about three to seven of which are pieced together to create the finished image. "We don't want to be restricted by what we see in the lens," says Shana, "so instead of accepting the reality of a single photograph, we manipulate many photographs and layer images just the same way that we layer ideas. We use so many techniques to make the final image; photography is just the recording device."

But they would rather talk about their message than their methods. The ParkeHarrisons feel strongly about the importance of treading lightly upon the earth - and accepting full responsibility when one does not. "As a society, we are not even questioning the implications of technology with regard to the social structure and our environment," says Shana. "We make choices every day that don't support sustainability."

At the same time, the ParkeHarrisons are not without hope. Nor is their Everyman. In fact, says Ms. Gaston, their recent works are especially uplifting, even conveying a healing quality. "Their earlier work focused on really bleak, perilous situations such as cobbling together a breathing machine," she explains. "Now their themes are less about personal survival and aggressive acts and more about listening to the earth and trying to mend it.

"Again, it goes back to 'The Little Prince.' Despite his desperate attempts to resolve certain environmental conditions, he has a wonderful determination and hopefulness about him," Gaston says. "It's not unlike the day-to-day practice of an artist."

• 'Robert ParkeHarrison: The Architect's Brother' was organized by the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film. It is at the DeCordova through Jan. 2, 2005. The exhibition travels to the University of Wyoming Feb. 3 to April 3, 2005; the University of New Mexico Oct. 5 to Dec. 11, 2005; and the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University March 18 to May 14, 2006.

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