Abandoned Places and Lost Spaces
My dad was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Throughout his life, he’s lived in several smaller towns in the state, including a cabin in the forest. He’s learned of so many stories and random snippets of information about the state that we’re from, and over the years, he’s passed many of these stories on to me. While in the car together, my dad would constantly be pointing out various places and conveying to me what he knows about each one. After leaving work at night, I often go for long drives through rural areas with the radio on, just observing the beautiful landscapes and buildings. There’s a satisfying feeling I get when driving down back roads and seeing these gorgeous buildings that no one loves anymore. Over the past few years, I’ve collected hundreds of photos and objects that symbolize PA history. I’ve explored numerous hidden sites and abandoned areas, and I’ve fallen in love with each one. To me, they represent a piece of history that has already passed and been forgotten. It pains me to see vandals trashing them up, or the structures torn down. I want to preserve something that was once so beautiful and pay tribute to these places that have a special place in my heart.
Forgotten Factory, 2018
Series of five copper etchings with aquatint. 2 of 5
9 x 12 in
I discovered this beautiful place years ago. It’s a bit of a hike to find it, so not many people know it even exists. To reach this area, you have to walk down a set of train tracks under
I - 83, cut through the woods, and follow a path along a creek. It’s basically untouched, with no graffiti or trash.
No registered address. York, Pennsylvania. Path leading to the area. 3 of 5
6 x 8 in
No registered address. York, Pennsylvania. Partially abandoned, currently used for storage. 4 of 5
8 x 10 in
No registered address. York, Pennsylvania. Partially abandoned, currently used to store tractor trailers. 5 of 5
12 x 6 in
105 Rupert Rd. 2018
Farmhouse on 105 Rupert Rd. York, Pennsylvania. Demolished in 2015.
Pieces carved into six 18 x 24 in. plexi sheets, printed onto Stonehenge White paper, cut, and assembled.
In 2014, I had the pleasure of exploring this property, which is located on a narrow road that cuts through a field. I was unable to see the second floor of the house, due to the staircase caving in. The house was empty, with green walls and piles of rocks and wood scattered around. It was currently inhabited by an unknown person, who had left a pot of soup on the floor.
h 12 x w 11 x d 10 in
Faux- laroids, 2018
I've spent the past two years taking photos of places in Pennsylvania, and have turned 15 of them into faux polaroids. Each photo was made by transferring an image to paper with a solvent and lithography press, then compiled into a photo album.
