The Story Behind
The Great Falls in Paterson has long been a sacred place for the Lenape people, who believed that the mist above the water connected the earthly and spiritual worlds. As early as the 17th century, it was described by the Dutch explorer Arent Schuyler.
Today, the Great Falls is protected as a National Historical Park. Bridges have been built across the gorge many times: the first in 1827, and the modern pedestrian bridge in 1984. It was closed in 2021, with a new one now in preparation. The waterfall remains a symbol of the city.
đź“Ť Paterson Great Falls on Google Maps.
A Word from Alex
Today I watched a wonderful film — Paterson by Jim Jarmusch. It felt very meditative, about being present in the moment (at least that’s how I saw it). It made a strong impression on me. And although I’ve always been distant from poetry — it usually doesn’t touch me the way visual art does — this movie really resonated.
There was a beautiful scene where the main character sits in the park in Paterson, gazing at the waterfall and the curious bridge. I was struck even more by the bridge itself. Somehow it felt symbolic — maybe a passage, a transition, or something of that kind. And now I’ve come across a wonderful image of this waterfall with the bridge, which inspired me to make a quick little sketch — simply because I feel like it. I’m happy to share this discovery with you. Enjoy your drawing!
And I truly recommend watching the film. I know it won’t be for everyone, maybe not even for most, but those who connect with it will thank me later.
Music For Drawing
Reference photo: thedigestonline.com
Note: The reference photo is real, while the sketch and the colored version were created with the help of AI to serve as inspiration for your own drawing.
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