Stories

David Swift

David Swift, known as much more than a local Jackson Hole photographer, passed away on December 16, 2018 while cross country skiing in Grand Teton National Park.  It seems he knew just about everybody - and just about everybody had the good fortune of spending time with him, on the trail, in the studio, at the bar, in the post office. When you hear from the people that knew him, interacted with him, you can hardly believe he was able to fit it all in!

We will all miss his unique wit, his kind words, and his incredible eye - Thank you David - you brought joy to many and we are all better because of it.

 

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Tools of the Trade

David brought his unique eye and perspective to our photo shoot and really captured the essence of Tiny.

Wyoming Wildflowers

Tiny spent many summers in Grand Teton National Park exploring the trails, mountains, and scenery.  He went backcountry skiing in the winter, camping with his family in the summer, and generally wandered the hills as often as he could.  He was a naturalist ranger in the park for a few summers and enjoyed his interactions with the visitors to the Park.

The summer of 1955 was spent cataloging and sketching the wildflowers in Grand Teton National Park.  He was working on the sketches that would be included in the famous A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers by John Craighead, Frank Craighead, and Ray Davis.

 

Elk Sketch in front of the Tetons

I love how Tiny aligned the bull elk so his rack follows the outline of  the mountains.  I love how he combines two iconic Jackson Hole scenes; a fall rut and the Tetons.

Recently, we have been going through his sketches and cataloging his work. At first glance, I thought it was just another elk study.  Upon closer inspection, I could see the similarity to his final piece.

We have reproduced this piece and it is available for sale, either framed or unframed.  

Tiny Hagen the skier and explorer

Grand Teton

spring skiing - 1942

Tiny loved the mountains about as much as he loved drawing, painting, and sculpting.  He felt truly blessed that the Tetons were his backyard!  

Tiny moved to Jackson, Wyoming from Plummer, Minnesota in 1932 at the age of 11.  This photo was taken in 1942 when he was 21 years old.  As noted in his handwriting, this photo was taken with Herman Seherr-Thoss.

He truly embraced Jackson and all it had to offer. The mountains were always calling, just as they are to today's explorers.

Pack Rat -- Sketches from Life

Tiny was fascinated by wildlife small and large. When Lou captured this pack rat, he knew to immediately where to bring it.

Grant's family and Lou's family were close friends for many years.  They had kids the same age and many of the same interests such as canoe trips and skiing Snow King to name a few.

Lou owned a parcel of land down Porcupine Creek. Tiny and Maggie were caretakers on the property next door.  Tiny helped Lou build his cabin all the while falling more and more in love with this slice of Jackson Hole paradise.

Tiny and family eventually bought this property(which was really out of town in those days). The family loved escaping to their cabin in the crazy summer months. Having neighbors like Lou and Margaret made for more stories than this blog can recount!

Stay tuned.....