I think I have a “resolution” for 2020.
I think I’m going to stop sharing where my images are made, unless it’s from a well established place. I’ve been noticing in our region, and around the country, how social media has messed up many places - places that were beautiful, and remote, and now have been trafficked to death, with trash and graffiti.
When I started this little project nearly 7 years ago (!), the intent was to inspire folks to get out and see parts of West Virginia and the country that weren’t in the tourist guides. To show that there is beauty every-dang-where in this state, up in the hollows, off the gravel roads. Somewhere along the way there became and expectation that if you shared the image, you shared how to get there,
and how hard it is to get there,
and is it dog friendly,
and can I get there in a car,
and you’re just selfish and elitist if you don’t want to share it.
And I’m done with that. These places are special because folks DON’T know how to get there. They are just…. out there. These places are special because they are in your neighborhood, if you look, and these are the ones I’ve found, and i keep finding them if I keep looking.
That was always the point - my work is meant to be inspiration, not direction.
Hope folks have a great weekend.