"Where Time Stands Still" series

Where Time Stands Still

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Series Description

Where Time Stands Still aims to document historic structures, their stories, and social impact. There is beauty to decayed sites and my focus is to bring a eulogy for the lost ways of life and capture the visceral experience of entering a parallel universe of silence, rust, and peeling paint.

Abandoned things return back to earth. If we do not claim it, nature will.

Artist Statement

I am always in search of uncovering something new both inside and outside of myself. I’ve found that going on adventures and stumbling upon abandoned houses, cars or objects, feel as if I’ve discovered historic treasures and inadvertently connect me back to nature, spirit and my childhood. These findings were once either a place someone called home, or was something they deeply valued and loved. Overtime, Mother Nature takes over and it is her role in the crumbling walls and crackling paint that I love as it embodies the perfect moment to both presently experience and capture.

Growing up in Mississippi made me appreciate the land and what the earth gives to us. My mother always shared stories of my great grandmother living on her land, and how we are alike in so many ways. As a child my mother would collect antiques from her house when she passed. She would often tell me who used to own them previously before my great grandmother and the significance behind having the pieces in our home. It felt as if we had our ancestors here in the physical world. I never knew that would mean so much to me as an adult. Before I knew it, this love had subconsciously expanded further than tangible items and grew to influence my art. I learned and valued the importance of preservation, and its effect on future generations because of the history it told.

In addition to photography, developing programming and cultural events for my community has become a passion of mine. Working at the Mississippi Museum of Art has allowed me to be creative in various avenues, expand my creative thoughts and create more meaningful events in Jackson, Mississippi. Through that work I can share why art is important and educate people on conservation and sustaining what was here before us to learn from. Unfortunately, too often art is so far removed from the experiences of everyday Black Americans. The result is that many Black people don’t value the rich art that exists in their own homes, relatives’ homes and communities. I want people to appreciate and enjoy what is already around them and bring life back into them. I believe if we have more opportunities to engage in that, with people in cultural spaces we would be a lot more open minded, happier and more appreciative as a people.

Ongoing series Where Time Stands Still exposes hidden treasures found on various back roads throughout the rural south. The series of objects and places punished by time, uncover the beauty, preservation, mystery and nostalgia in each scene. I aim to document historic structures, their stories, and social impact to reckon with the past. My focus is to bring a eulogy for the lost ways of life and capture the visceral experience of entering a parallel universe of silence, rust, and peeling paint. Every artifact holds years of meaning and purpose. The untold stories of highs and lows unfold before you in a mix of time.