Barry’s Pick: Robust Natural Health and Exuberance

There’s something about vintage ski posters that hits just right. With bold lines, crisp snow, and endless peaks, they give that feeling of motion that you can almost feel in your bones. This month, Barry Bell, Found Image Press co-founder and chief nostalgia curator, chose a striking winter scene as his pick. The dynamic skier moving down a sunny slope beneath a radiant sky conveys athleticism and elegance all in one. 

Q&A Natural Health and Exuberance 

What first drew you to this image? 

The skier’s natural, powerful position coming down the hill immediately caught my eye. There’s something effortlessly strong about the way they move through the snow, focused, fluid, and fully present in the moment. It’s a beautiful example of motion captured in stillness. 

What does this image remind you of personally? 

It takes me back to my first trip to Mammoth Mountain in Northern California. I remember the wide-open runs, the feeling of cold air and a sense of discovery of both the sport and the landscape itself. It was new, a little scary, and completely exhilarating. 

What do you think this image says about its time period? 

The illustration's simplicity and unadorned style reflect the 1930s-1940s relative simplicity. There's a quiet confidence in the design. No frills, no excess, just clean lines and clear intention. It reflects a moment when outdoor adventure was promoted as both escape and ideal.  

Why do you think this image still resonates today? 

To me, this image speaks to something timeless in our aspiration to experience the challenges and beauty of nature firsthand. That hasn’t changed. Whether then or now, people are still seeking that same exhilaration as a reminder that we’re part of something bigger, and we’re stronger when we move with it rather than against it. 

If you could give this image a caption or title, what would it be? 

I’d call it “Robust Natural Health and Exuberance” because it’s not just about skiing. It’s about energy, vitality, and the pure joy of being out in the elements. It captures what it means to feel fully alive. 

At Found Image Press, we’re drawn to visuals that make you feel something. This ski image and others like it capture a vintage optimism and reverence for the outdoors that’s just as relevant today. It’s a reminder to get out there, breathe deep, and find your own perfect slope, whatever that may look like. 

If your tastes move with Barry’s, or if you want to explore more winter sports action, take a look at our collection and discover more images that inspire, inform, and entertain.