Heartland Icons - American Grain Elevators

While grain elevators have agricultural and historical aspects, as a photographer, what appeals to me about these structures are their visual qualities, their shapes, forms and graphic elements. The elevators I am drawn to consist of interesting arrangements of simple geometric forms - cylinders, cones, sharp angles and large interlocking planes. Many of the structures are concrete, or corrugated metal painted white or gray, and when illuminated by strong sunlight, the forms and the relationships between them can produce wonderful graphic compositions. 

The earliest elevator pictures were taken in the late 1970s. At that time, I never thought that 30 years later I would still be searching out these buildings, but I still find them interesting. Unfortunately, many of these elevators have been torn down. They are no longer economical, and it is difficult and impractical to convert them to other uses. Many times, I have gone back for another look at a favorite building, only to find a flat grassy field or gravel lot where an elevator once stood. For example, in the year 2006 alone, the elevators in Jamestown, Bradford and Fort Loramie, Ohio , were all demolished. At one time a day’s drive could yield four or five interesting buildings. Now a day’s travel might yield only one or two, if I am lucky. So the project is winding down. I am simply grateful I was able to photograph as many of these as I could while they were still standing and in good condition.  

David Hellmann
Loveland, Ohio

Ordering Fine Art Prints

All photographs are printed using long lasting Epson Ultrachrome K3 inks on archival quality cotton rag paper.

Each print is signed and dated by the artist, and is available in the following sizes:

   8" x 8" at  $75 each (2 or more, $50 each)

   9" x 9" at  $100 each (2 or more, $75 each)

All prices are for unframed, unmounted, unmatted prints.

Please contact me through the Contact link on this website.