I have been working on a project called Evidence which has begun to take on the character of evidence of destruction. These images are about the aftermath of fire--both the ugliness and the beauty. The fire in Seaside New Jersey devastated businesses that were just recovering from the havoc wrought by Hurricane Sandy. The awesome power and speed were evident in the almost total destruction of the shops and businesses along the boardwalk. But the fire was contained to a relatively small area when you actually walked it. In contrast, the Yosemite Rim Fire burned out of control for weeks, ultimately consuming over 400 square miles, 40% of which is nothing but charred land today. This was the largest recorded wildfire in the Sierra Nevada. When you are there, the size and scope of the damage is overwhelming. But already, regeneration is starting and the dialogue about creative or necessary destruction to build for the future is getting louder.
I deliberately integrated the images as a way of anchoring.
Along the Tioga Road heading into Yosemite--looking into the distance through a lightly damaged tree
Seaside looking towards the beach through the ruined windows of a cafe
What is left standing
"Evidence" has certainly evolved since you were exploring a collection of images in book format. I recall lovely leaf prints on a walkway at Olmsted Woods and party lights on the pleached / pollarded hop hornbeam hedge at Dumbarton Oaks (btw open for free in winter 2-5, except Mondays and holidays.) Interesting choice to intermingle "natural" and built environments.
ReplyDeleteFormer boardwalk ambiance ("Funland") adds poignancy.
Ask me about a fire-related proposal (deadline 1/30) I'm planning to submit, if interested.