Jim Bridwell - Sea of Dreams

by Dave Diegelman

Title

Jim Bridwell - Sea of Dreams

Artist

Dave Diegelman

Medium

Photograph - Archival Photographs

Description

Jim Bridwell (RIP) always had a knack for styling. This was captured on the first ascent of Sea of Dreams on Yosemite's El Capitan in 1978. Jim brought along two paisley shirts that the three of us swapped out for photos on leads. Jim's wife Peggy was once asked if a photo of a climber wearing a grey alpine suit was Jim, "No way, Jim wouldn't be caught dead in such drab attire" she replied.

Over the years this image has been licensed for numerous publications and films but perhaps the most notable is Sender Films "Valley Uprising" where they infused it into a psychedelic gif while elaborating about his dropping acid on the climb. Dale Bard sets the record straight, "Hey man, the guy's tied in and just going to be hanging out at the belay ledge all day so whatever." I'm sure that this has prompted many to think of him as a druggie that was a good climber but in reality he was a phenomenal athlete who used drugs on occasion, in his words, "as a tool" to go a bit beyond the horizon of conventional thinking. Perhaps only those of us who spent time with him and climbed with him are the only ones that truly understood the brilliance behind his pioneering spirit and achievements that dominated his life. Many have testified of his gracious gestures and unprovoked acts of kindness bestowed upon them. Climber, Mentor and Friend were the words chosen to be engraved in the keychain carabiners created for memorial in Yosemite in 2018 where several hundred friends, family and admirer's gather to pay tribute to the kingpin of the Stonemasters.

This edition is limited to only 100 prints and is printed with the annotations. A portion of the proceeds from sales go to help Jim's widow, Peggy Bridwell. All of my limited edition prints offer a certificate of authenticity and go up in value as they sell and are digitally signed. They are printed with an archival process on all mediums that will last generations. Please contact me upon purchase at ddiegelman@gmail.com with proof of purchase to obtain the certificate of authenticity. Please note that prices increase with successive sales.

Photo & Text All Rights Reserved © Dave Diegelman

Uploaded

April 12th, 2023

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