We’re excited to exhibit the work of Abbot photographer Steve Maines at the Thompson Free Library this October! Steve has traveled the world as a photographer and is the author of “Dancing with Spirit: Reflections from the Mirror of Life.” Stop by the library on Saturday, October 6 from 10-11:30 am to meet Steve and purchase a copy of his book!
Artist’s Statement:
I was born in Bar Harbor, Maine. At age 2 my family moved to the Bangor area. I attended school in Holden, high school at Brewer, and college at the University of Maine, Orono. Then I went off into the world to find a job as a paper mill engineer. I was drafted and spent 3 years in the army, the last year in Vietnam.
I returned home only to find that paper mills were closing down and laying off people. I moved to Australia and got a job there as a photo chemist. Two years later, my wife and I took a year off and hitchhiked across Australia, bought a car and drove to London, then flew home. I spent the entire year studying photography, and upon arrival, announced my new career as a photographer.
I moved to Greenville, did some photography for the ski area and worked for the Moosehead Gazette. Two years later, I moved to Guilford and opened a photography studio. I continued on as a photographer 12 years in Guilford, 10 years in Cape Elizabeth, and 14 years in Abbot.
During the past 35 years I spent 2 to 3 weeks most winters traveling, mainly to developing countries and working as a photographer for the relief agencies (Care, UNICEF and many others). Most of the photos exhibited were taken during this period.
I now live with my wife, Martha, and son, Sam, here in Abbot. We live in a log home that I built with a lot of help from a friend. We used mainly local, environmentally friendly construction materials. We have solar power for all of our electrical needs, heat the house with wood, and have a good sized vegetable garden.
Eight years ago, at 66, I picked up a fiddle, and just to prove that “you could teach an old dog new tricks,” I am learning to play it. My current passions are traveling, working with students, and playing the fiddle.
Steve, my name is Grace (Tew) Bowden, and I had the privilege of babysitting for your family at the house on Elm Street, which is now The Guilford Bed and Breakfast, I believe. I hope to purchase your book, and it has been gratifying to see some of your work. Thank you for the positive investment your family gave to mine. Blessings are always largest when counted.