108
LIMITED EDITION
LASER-CRYSTAL ARCHIVE C-PRINT
24x36
EDITION OF 36
37x60
EDITION OF 12
45x72
EDITION OF 7
67x108
EDITION OF 3
Carmichael achieves a signature level of detail and sharpness in his work using a combination of techniques - notably, focus-stacking and photo-mosaics. In production, Carmichael favors laser-printing on crystal archival substrate with microscopic crystals on the surface. This unique material gives prints exceptional vibrancy, saturation and a 3D quality when lit.
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
Adhered to the back of each limited edition print is a certificate of authenticity which is dated, numbered, signed, and includes a holographic serial number.
OPEN EDITION
24x36" PRINT
For the first time ever, Jon Carmichael is offering an open edition of one of his works to the public. As one of the most uniting moments in history, Jon wanted to make sure this photograph was accessible to all - in order to help share the story, message, and inspire others to keep looking up.
In addition to your print of “108” you’ll receive an extra detailed 5x7 print of the eclipse and a signed thank you from the artist.
THE STORY BEHIND “108”
On August 21st, 2017 millions of Americans came together as “cosmic magic” swept away America’s troubles during the Great American Eclipse. For the first time in 99 years the moon’s shadow raced across the U.S. becoming the most-observed and photographed moment in history. An estimated 215 million Americans tuned in for the joyful event, breaking NASA’s online viewing records by 7 times.
In celebration of the anniversary, New York-based artist Jon Carmichael publicly unveiled an image, which many say, could be the greatest photo of an eclipse ever achieved.
“My childhood dream has always been to go to space and see our world as one. I thought this may be the closest I ever get.” said Carmichael. “I wanted to capture a unique perspective of the moon’s shadow moving across the Earth’s surface at nearly 2,000mph”. Curious and determined, Carmichael mapped out all of the commercial flight paths around the U.S. and compared them to the moon’s path of totality. He decided to fly across the country to catch Southwest Airlines flight #1368 departing from Portland, Oregon to St. Louis, Missouri.
“I was terrified.” Says Carmichael. “I thought I was making a huge mistake and I would miss this once-in-a-lifetime moment that I had envisioned for many years. All odds were against me.” Carmichael arrived at the gate armed with all his camera gear and $600 cash. “My biggest fear was not getting a window seat since Southwest doesn’t have assigned seating – I figured I’d come this far, I should be ready to bribe someone for a window if that’s what it takes!”
Carmichael introduced himself to the Southwest flight crew, who gave him seat 1A and went above and beyond for Carmichael that day, from the Captain helping clean his window, to performing a series of five 180-degree turns while under the moon’s shadow ensuring that he would get the shots he desired.
Once back home in New York City, Carmichael went through the thousands of images he quickly and nervously snapped during his flight and spent a full year processing it all into a giant photographic-mosaic. To his surprise, he realized they flew over the Snake River during totality, which borders Oregon and Idaho. “I couldn’t believe it. I had the shape of two U.S. states of the Great American Eclipse and the clearest weather I could’ve ever hoped for! It felt like fate.”
“This was one of the most united moments in United States history,” says Carmichael. “For one day people came together as one, and the media was filled with positivity – and it’s very simple why; For a brief moment in time, everyone in America became an astronomer. That’s what astronomy does – it humbles and unites us. My wish is for this image to be a symbol of that beautiful moment and remind us that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. I hope it inspires people to take care of each other, our planet, and to keep looking up.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
JACK DORSEY, TWITTER CEO
“I was immediately struck by Jon’s photo. But, like most things, the story behind it was awe-inspiring. So excited for the world to hear it, and be reminded of that moment we were all looking at the sky together.”
USA TODAY
"The most jaw-dropping image of the eclipse. Carmichael shows a view that's hard to believe wasn't taken from space itself."
INC MAGAZINE
"History's most amazing photo."
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
"This image is a ladder to space.”
WATCH TWITTER KEYNOTE
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey invites Jon Carmichael to exclusively unveil “108” to every Twitter employee from around the world.
WATCH SOUTHWEST FEATURE
Southwest Airlines highlights Carmichael’s unique experience on flight 1368 that allowed him to achieve his vision for “108”.