
Hummock Island, and Compo Hill homes (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
Hummock Island, and Compo Hill homes (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
Like many people, Patrick Sikes loves the beauty of Sherwood Mill Pond.
Like many too, he’s fascinated by Hummock Island: the oyster house that sits in the middle of that vast body of water.
The Mill Pond is one of Westport’s most photographed locations. Sikes’ images are particularly good. They should be: He’s a professional photographer.
Recently, he turned some of his Hummock Island shots into unique greeting cards. He posted them on Instagram, where they caught the eye of Jeff Northrop Jr., an owner of Hummock Island Oysters.
He invited the photographer out. Sikes captured the feel of the oyster house: the equipment, the machines, the oysters themselves.
His images — black-and-white and color, framed and printed on metal — now hang on the oyster house wall. (Jeff Northrop Sr. made sure that, as a historic building, no new nails were driven into the wood.)
It’s a unique “gallery.” There’s no electricity, so the photos are seen in natural light.
The other evening, 60 or so oyster-and-art-lovers took the quick boat ride from Compo Cove to Hummock island.
They admired the photos. They ate the Northrops’ oysters. And they browsed what is now — thanks to Sikes — a unique gift shop. In addition to greeting cards, he’s created coasters and cutting boards, with his photos and the Hummock Island logo.
Hummock Island is a special Westport story.
Thanks to Patrick Sikes, it’s now told in striking photos too.
Posted in Arts, Beach, Environment, Local business, People
Tagged Hummock Island, Hummock Island Oysters, Jeff Northrop, oysters, Patrick Sikes, Sherwood Island Mill Pond