A Dying Light

"A Dying Light" was created over the course of two winters in Minnesota. Inspired by James’ childhood, this project aims to show the mental illnesses and emotions that James has suffered from silently throughout his entire life. Every year James’ family would rent a limo and tour Minnesota’s Christmas light displays. Having a difficult home life, James always wondered if the families inside these houses were happy and peaceful, or if they were filled with the same conflict, abuse, and neglect happening within James’ home. For this project, James would drive all over the state of Minnesota, pulling over with camera in hand, trying to find Christmas lights, objects and scenes that properly expressed the emotions he felt growing up, as well as the emotions he feels when he finally had the peace and acceptance that he always desired. As Christmas light displays start to become less and less widespread, this project aims to capture the lights before they fade away.