The Story Behind This Moment in Time
- Zibby Wilder
- Sep 3, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: May 10, 2024
A film detailing my story of this iconic photo of Georgia O'Keeffe taken by Maria Chabot.
We all have our stories, none ever remaining the same, many changing (minutely or massively) with the daily tides of our lives. This is my story of a famous photograph. As an image it is static but I know of (and have) an abundance of stories which swirl around it. My story, in this time, place, and very specific instance, takes the form of a movie.
OK, OK, it's not really a "movie". But then again, it's "kind of" a movie. I dunno. I am not a filmmaker by any stretch of the imagination but I made this film with what I had available to me and, I think it turned out pretty well. I thought it would be fun to share here.
Anyway, this was created as a final project for a class I completed this summer as part of my graduate studies in cultural heritage management at Johns Hopkins University. The class, the Practice of Public History, taught by Dr. Taylor Stoermer, ranks among my top two classes ever taken in my life. The other, Stalking the Wild Mind (taken at Boston University–literally in the last millenia) is hard to touch because it required neither talent nor interest. You just did it for the fascination. And fascinating it was. Topics ranged from cultural dance, molecular biology, and astrophysics to lucid dreaming and table tipping. If you were willing to put in the work, the rewards were truly out of this world. And I mean that literally. I experienced some weird-ass shyte in that class, and I absolutely loved every second of it all.
But for Dr. Stoermer's course, you needed interest and a willingness to work–talent be damned. It was amazing to experience the unfolding of what was at the core of the course: public history in the form of digital storytelling. Many of us had no talent, no stories, no knowledge. What we had was willingness and willingness really can go a long way–willingness to learn, willingness to listen, willingness to fail, willingness to think differently... the willingness to try.
Willingness, not filmmaking, might may be my forte. So, with the willingness to learn and be open, I willingly share this little student project with you in order to give you more an idea of where all of "this" is coming from. Be gentle...and enjoy!
P.S. as noted in the film, there is no limit to the special thanks I give to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library for the assets and information. I love gifts, and museums and libraries are, to me, the greatest gifts of all.
It is fascinating to see the dynamic between Maria Chabot and Georgia O’Keeffe highlighted here, especially how their relationship influenced the creation of the Abiquiú home. For anyone captivated by these kinds of deep, historical narratives and looking for a new Book series to dive into, this history offers so much inspiration. If you are searching for compelling Books to read that explore the lives of iconic artists and the complexities of their creative partnerships, this post is a great starting point!
Such a fascinating read about Maria Chabot and the connection to the Georgia O’Keeffe movie — I love learning the stories behind the art and the people who shaped it. On a different note, if you’re a business owner looking to expand your visibility, you might want to check out a free business listing for black owned business. Also, a business directory submission for black owned business can be a great way to boost your presence in the community. Thanks for sharing this insightful post!
I loved reading your insights on Maria Chabot & Georgia O’Keeffe — such a fascinating story and so beautifully written! After getting lost in great art and compelling history like this, it's nice to also give attention to self‑care. I’ve been trying a scalp treatment and a Hair Repair Treatment recently, and they’ve made a real difference in the strength and look of my hair. Thanks for sharing such an engaging piece!
This review is such a wonderful look at Maria Chabot & Georgia O’Keeffe — I love how you captured the dynamic between them and the film’s artistic tone. It really makes me want to see it! Your perspective reminded me that whether we’re exploring creative stories on screen or learning about the technical precision required in fields like marine insulation companies and marine pipe insulation, there’s always something fascinating to appreciate about the people and processes that shape the work. Thanks for the thoughtful insight!
What a fascinating and thoughtfully written piece—Maria Chabot’s role in Georgia O’Keeffe’s life adds such an important layer to understanding her work and independence. Reading stories like this reminds me how much unseen structure and support goes into sustaining great creative journeys, whether in art or in other worlds entirely. Even in my own field, I see parallels through Boat maintenance near me, where careful planning, Marine Insulation, and Boat insulation quietly protect what matters most. Just as harmony and solitude shaped O’Keeffe’s process, Marine Noise Insulation, Marine soundproofing, and Marine thermal insulation are about creating the right environment to function and endure. Reliable Boat Repair Service, like strong partnerships, often works behind the scenes but makes all the difference.