Photo by Annunziata

Let us begin at the end; that is to say, let us commence with the answer. After all, it is the questions themselves which we most often seek-

The photograph is itself a conundrum, as it possesses the capability to lie, as well as to tell the truth. It lies, because it presents phenomena from only one angle; it tells the truth, because it merely records what is.

Much of the subject matter of my photos could be considered in the realm of what one might call lost or entropic articles; the time and place for these items is past, so one might rightly ask why they are of any importance, let alone being matters of inquiry.

The beauty of these subjects lies in their immediate state; they have left the world of man, and have entered a realm of pure form. Their stories tell a tale which any dominant view of history would tend to overlook.

In this subject matter lies the questions with which I struggle. In the words of Annie Dillard, in whose work I initially encountered the power of Sacramental perception, these items and places are "an active mystery, fresh every minute. Theirs is the mystery of the continuous creation and all that providence implies: the uncertainty of vision, the horror of the fixed, the dissolution of the present, the intricacy of beauty, the pressure of fecundity, the elusiveness of the free, and the flawed nature of perfection" (Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, 4-5).

From this perspective, I take the view that there is dignity in the work of the common man, and also in his workplace; forgotten places dot the landscape, their fences and signs stand as psychological, rather than physical barriers. And the law? Natural Law stands above the laws of man.

When viewing my photography, then, allow this wonderful impartiality to reside at the forefront of vision; let every.thing be Holy, wholly.