The Beauty of Decay
11 galleries
We have long sought to master our environment. We create, design, and build objects intended to improve our quality of life. But like our own bodies, those objects are ultimately subservient to the forces of nature. Decay is a natural part of life. We can postpone the inevitable through continuous work and restoration, but often neglect represents the path of least resistance. Additionally, our cultural obsession with consumption and having only the latest and greatest, contributes to neglect.
Yet for the artist, and those who appreciate art, there exists beauty and interest in compositions which capture the decay of man-made objects. Perhaps there is nostalgia for the antique and old artifacts, the historical period in which they were created, or appreciation of traditional craftsmanship. But there is also beauty in the natural process of decay. Whether itu2019s the unique colors and textures, or perhaps the ways nature seeks to reclaim its natural state over our attempts to control it, there is much beauty to be found in decay.
This collection represents my appreciation of this subject and will feature several galleries which explore what I hope to be rich compositions around The Beauty of Decay.
Yet for the artist, and those who appreciate art, there exists beauty and interest in compositions which capture the decay of man-made objects. Perhaps there is nostalgia for the antique and old artifacts, the historical period in which they were created, or appreciation of traditional craftsmanship. But there is also beauty in the natural process of decay. Whether itu2019s the unique colors and textures, or perhaps the ways nature seeks to reclaim its natural state over our attempts to control it, there is much beauty to be found in decay.
This collection represents my appreciation of this subject and will feature several galleries which explore what I hope to be rich compositions around The Beauty of Decay.
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14 imagesThis gallery explores the abandoned means of food and agricultural production. Like manufacturing, traditional rural agricultural production facilities and techniques have given way to modern monolithic agrochemical companies with global reach.
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22 imagesBetween the Upcountry Appalachian/Piedomont and the coastal Lowcountry is the Midlands of South Carolina. Here several abandoned sites are featured from the counties of Sumter and Kershaw.
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35 imagesIn addition to architecture, objects from our past have significance because of their historical context and story. But they also provide visual inspiration for the artist and art admirer.
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8 imagesLike most local furniture manufacturing plants, the Chair Manufacturing Company of Asheboro, North Carolina closed decades ago. Overseas competition incented many companies to abandon their American manufacturing capacity in favor of lower cost and higher profits.
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17 imagesWith only 30 minutes granted to photograph in an auto graveyard in China Grove, NC, I was able to come away with several great images. This gallery features hauntingly beautiful automobile relics laid waste by rain, wind and a relentless sun. I hope I can revist this location again soon.
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47 imagesThis collection explores abandoned non-residential structures. Why were these structures abandoned? Perhaps financial distress, poor management, natural disaster, or just simple neglect over time. Despite their sad state, there is inherent beauty in rust, patina surfaces and weathered wood. And, there are the secrets and untold stories hidden somewhere within.
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5 imagesThe Danville, Virignia historical tobacco warehouse district is well into its initial phases of commercial renovations. The majority of buildings remain abandoned and offer execellent photo opportunities.
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16 imagesDixie Furniture was established in the town of Lexington, North Carolina in 1901. It eventually became Lexington Furniture and at its peak, covered 9 city blocks. Global outsourcing eventual forced the closure of most manufacturing facilities in the state. This gallery features exteriors of Plant 1, the original Dixie Furniture facility, which was closed in 2003. It also features exterior and interiors of the Link Taylor plant.
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42 imagesBarns are a fascinating part of the American landscape and remind us of our rural history & culture. Their utility as the hub of a working farm served the farmer well, while their imposing size and lovely architecture beautifies the countryside. Now mostly a decaying reminder or our agricultural past, old barns inspire the photographer with their rich textures, geometric shapes and beauty. I’ve started this gallery to share impactful images of barns I’ve had the opportunity to visit.
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3 imagesScrap construction equipment, materials and raw materials usually ends up in a scrapyard to be recycled sometime in the future. Or maybe to be left to deteriorate.
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36 imagesHow does a house fall into the cycle of decay? What is the back-story that justifies the demise of a family home? These questions are part of the visual experience, as is the appreciation of the visual aspect of the composition. I look for visually impactful compositions of old houses which contrast the ironic relationship between the sad state of neglect and the beauty of decay.