In my journey as a documentary photographer, I immerse myself in the delicate interplay between reality and emotion. My work delves into profound themes of economic devastation, isolation, and the intriguing dichotomy between myth and memory.
Drawing inspiration from literary luminaries of the "Lost Generation" such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, as well as the evocative photography of Walker Evans and Eugene Richards, I endeavor to create images that resonate beyond the visual realm. With a profound respect for craft, I harness the power of a full-frame digital camera to yield images of unparalleled quality, allowing even the minutest details to convey narratives.
My artistic gaze is often turned toward those silent corners of existence where economic upheaval has left its indelible mark. Through my work, I strive to lay bare the juxtaposition between the arresting beauty of the captured moment and the unsettling emotions it stirs. My intention is not to merely document, but to immerse viewers in a sensory experience that is both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally poignant.
Rooted in my own familial history, my work finds its heartbeat in the stories passed down by my grandmother – tales of life as an immigrant's child amidst the rugged landscapes of western Pennsylvania's coal-mining communities. These narratives infuse my art with a sense of authenticity and depth, inviting viewers to contemplate the human condition from multiple perspectives.
My photographs exist as bridges between the past and present, inviting introspection on the fragility of memory and the narratives we construct to shape our understanding of the world. As viewers engage with my work, I hope to evoke a range of emotions, from quiet contemplation to a nuanced discomfort that sparks reflection. Through my lens, I endeavor to invite viewers to question, to connect, and to find solace in the shared experience of our complex journey through life.