art, literature, film and culture

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Bruce Mozert, acclaimed Silver Springs photographer, was famous for his comical underwater photographs.

Silver Springs

In my opinion these four subjects cannot be separated and one is dependent on another. The Silver River Museum displays collections from cultures that lived in the Silver Springs area dating back thousands of years.

If archaeology is your interest you can also visit The Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology. Some of their artifacts date back as far as 13,000 years.

“Romance” is an enchanting book, written in verse by William W. Carter and published in 1934. It is the story of a love affair that grew from the beauty, history and reverence for Silver Springs.

This article describes Bruce Mozert’s development and involvement with underwater photography at Silver Springs starting in the late 1930’s. Bruce still has a shop in the town of Silver Springs and he continues to work there to this day.

Bruce Mozert, underwater photographer Silver Springs

Bruce Mozert, underwater photographer
Silver Springs

Gary Monroe published “Silver Springs: The Underwater Photography of Bruce Mozert” in 2008. It’s a wonderful collection of Bruce Mozert’s photographs. You can purchase a copy here or you can go to Bruce’s shop and get a signed copy from him.

Eternal Spring: Man’s 10,000 Years of History at Florida ’s Silver Springs, published in 1966 by Richard A. Martin. He describes how the geography of the area is suited for the formation of springs and why the fossilized remains of creatures such as mammoths have been found in the spring. This book can be purchased on line.

Glass Bottom Boats and Mermaid Tails produced by Tom Hollis in 2006 has a delightful chapter about Silver Springs. This link to a review will take you on a fantastic armchair tour of classic “kitschs” combining historical accounts, archival photographs and illustrations produced through the 1800’s and 1900’s.

Margaret Ross Tolbert Entering the Springs, 2006 oil and mixed media on canvas, 90 x 90 in

Margaret Ross Tolbert
Entering the Springs, 2006
oil and mixed media on canvas,
90 x 90 in

Margaret Ross Tolbert’s book AQUIFERious has a chapter written by Dr. Robert Knight regarding his work and observations at Silver Springs spanning 30 years. I have the honor of knowing both of them as  friends. Margaret’s book is a beautiful blend of art and science and can be purchased here. 

Tarzan at Silver Springs Photo courtesy of Bruce Mozert

Tarzan at Silver Springs
Photo courtesy of Bruce Mozert

Many movies were filmed at Silver Springs. Here is a link to a great photograph taken during the filming of “Tarzan finds a Son”.  Notice Bruce Mozert’s name is the photography credits.

Scenes for Creature from the Black Lagoon were also filmed at Silver Springs. Bruce Mozert, photography.

Esther Williams, Jupiter’s Darling. Bruce Mozert, photography.
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