Artist Statement

My work focuses on place and how our relationship with it changes over time. In both man-made and natural landscapes, I’m interested in how the use or appearance of these areas evolves. I take on the role of observing, exploring, and recording these everyday histories. In my photographs, time and place are connected. Often there is evidence of what was, what is, and what will be.

By studying our landscapes we can learn about who we are. This concept, which I describe as photographing people through their places, can show a life of a certain culture and the changing definition of what is valuable. There is history in our places. By looking at the current state of our environments, we can observe the cultural context in which we consider value. We are built on history, but what do we preserve and what do we remember as we move towards the future?

I like to explore overlooked and forgotten places and have always been attracted to barren and rugged landscapes, especially ones with the markings of man such as dirt roads, telephone poles, or abandoned buildings. An important aspect of my photographs is the absence of people. Although the work may address issues of society or culture, it is primarily about the place itself. I also find the remnants of human activity to be far more interesting and telling than the people themselves.