In 1996 Myron Gauger began this unique view identification and panoramic illustration
service for residential, business and governmental uses in the mountains of western North
Carolina.
In December 2001, Myron,
with Kate Dwyer (reverse glass painter
and wife), moved to Port Townsend, WA and is now offering
this service in the Pacific Northwest.
The skills needed to produce Viewfinders come from Myron's
education and background in both the arts and sciences. Many years of artistic
experience, most notably as a sculptor, are invaluable for the visual aspects of
Viewfinders. The Viewfinder drawing begins with sketches made on site to gain an
"impression" of the view and precision, sequential photographs for reference.
The final drawing combines the accuracy of the photographs and the impression of what the
eye is drawn to in the view.
Public sculptures by Myron in the Asheville, NC area include a large stone carving in the Biltmore Square Mall (illustrated), Fish Mobile in the Market Street Restaurant, Butterfly Mobile at the entry to the Pack Place Arts and Science center, and the Pack Place Dragon (recently removed against the wishes of hundreds of children).
The technical
information in each Viewfinder is based on GPS (global
positioning system) technology, surveying equipment for determining precise bearings to
features, and GIS (computerized Geographic Information Services) based on USGS (United
States Geographical Survey) maps. Unless a commonly used, local name is known, features
are identified using USGS designations. When available from USGS, exact elevations are
given, otherwise they are estimated within ±20 feet accuracy. Distances to features are
given within a tenth of a mile. Because magnetic declination changes over time, bearings
are based on True North and generally rounded to the nearest full degree. The
results are on-site evidence based, and may vary from computer generated information which
is often not reliable from a ground level vantage.
Although currently involved primarily in
publications, Viewfinder has done a wide variety of projects:
-Viewfinder produced a simplified, 360 degree drawing for Grandfather
Mountain's Visitors' Brochure with
only major features identified. Because they attract visitors from all over the world, the
direction and distance to many cities, domestic and foreign, were also included.
-The US Forest Service, having its own "Interpretive Services"
department, looked to Viewfinder for drawings and data from the Wayah Bald, NC overlook
where over 150 features were identified.
-The Swag resort and the Cataloochee Ranch are using porcelain plaques by ViewFinder to enhance their guests experience of the magnificent views.
-Plus many projects for indoor or outdoor use by
individuals.
In April 2001, Viewfinder produced a fanfold
publication, THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY VIEWFINDER, with a
dozen panels identifying the views from eight of the most significant overlooks in North
Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation asked to publish it. The
BRP VIEWFINDER is available in Parkway shops, bookstores and other
outdoor related locations or directly from the Foundation at the web site below.
One panel from THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
VIEWFINDER
(The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is a non-profit organization
dedicated to the preservation of this National Treasure. For more information about the
BRP Foundation-- http://www.brpfoundation.org. )
For further
information about Viewfinder services, email:
Viewfinder@Viewfdr.com
Mail to:
ViewFinder
1231 32nd St.
Port Townsend, WA 89368