Cottonwood Court, Santa Fe New Mexico, August 1980
Artist
Steve Fitch
(American, born 1949)
DateNegative 1980, print 2021
MediumPigment print
DimensionsImage: 12 × 12 in. (30.5 × 30.5 cm)
Support: 16 × 20 in. (40.6 × 50.8 cm)
Support: 16 × 20 in. (40.6 × 50.8 cm)
ClassificationsPhotograph
Credit LineGift of Steve Fitch, 2021
Object number2021.10.6
DescriptionNight view with horizontal sign filling most of the frame. Sign is lit and reads in yellow: COTTONWOOD // TELEVISION and between them in larger letters and white: COURT. Above and attached to sign at above left in red: NO VACANCY. Background of sign is shaped and painted to emulate wooden boards. At left is a square sign with a round General Electric logo // COLOR TV ING //Large // FAMILY [ROOMS?]. Sign is supported by brick column at front and back and has a brick planter below with flowers. Partial view of motel office and structure in background, view of Cerrillos Road at left with taillights of cars visible.eMuseum Notes
In the 1980s, Steve Fitch was teaching photography at the University of Colorado, Boulder, photographing prehistoric Native rock art, and learning to fabricate his own neon pieces. He was also beginning to make pictures for the series Western Landmarks, largely taken in New Mexico, his first dedicated work with color film. Cottonwood Court, located on Cerrillos Road/Route 84 in Santa Fe, is a classic motor court inn with a neon sign to attract travelers. A 1960s postcard of the site lists the approval of the American Automobile Club and the recommendation of Duncan Hines, and American entrepreneur who began the practice of rating restaurants and accommodations for travelers. The motel continues to operate as does its unique sign.
On View
Not on view
Eliot Porter
1940 (printed 1983)
Steve Fitch
September 9, 2006 (printed 2017)
