Submission: Inheritance

The photographs that make up the series "Inheritance" are not perfect, but like all things unique and beautiful we must embrace imperfections and limitations. The small organic farmer knows this, when harvesting that slightly misshapen pepper he or she smiles and knows that a large corporate farm would not tolerate such deviations from the ideal. Those things that are made by man’s hand in conjunction with the unpredictability of nature should reflect individuality and distinction, and be accepted on their own terms. It is crucial to place the appropriate level of value upon the work the small farmer endures; their efforts throughout the history of man are fundamental. By taking the time to document their joys and frustrations using a large format 8”x10” camera I wished to reflect my own level of reverence. Taking those silver negatives I chose to express that respect by creating Platinum-Palladium prints, a contact printing method that is as direct of a footprint of time and light that I was capable of capturing. The precious metals used in this process honor not only the small farmer, but also calls attention to the photograph as a valuable object itself. At its heart Inheritance is a narrative, however I chose not to limit it in scope to a single farm or even a consistent age group. The photographs move across the southeastern landscape and look at multiple generations, touching upon traditions while simultaneously considering the future. These works are about the marks we leave, and how as time washes over things they take on different forms and meanings. It is also about those lessons we impart upon the young.