Gone but Not Forgotten

I was recently inspired by an episode of Parts Unknown (Anthony Bourdain's latest show, on CNN) to photograph and document something that has become a bit of an obsession. For lack of a better term, I call it "ruin porn". 

The episode I'm referring to here involved Detroit, and a tour of its existence long after its downfall. It reminded me of the area where I was born in Northeast Pennsylvania. The big businesses gone, faithful locals holding on to a place they call home, finding happiness and prosperity amidst the wreckage from massive industries long departed.

I mentioned to my dad that I wanted to take some pictures of deserted buildings, namely a coal breaker that is barely a pile of steel at this point, but the snow prevented that adventure (at least for this visit). But where he ended up taking me to snap a few pictures seemed even more surreal- the ground on which had stood the sewing factory where my grandmother sewed buttons onto Leslie Faye dresses.

We ventured to a few other locations as well, and I'm working hard to put together some semblance of a collection of photos from the entire trip. This stop, although it was the least visually interesting, felt like the best one. I imagine that it is the energy that keeps cities and towns and neighborhoods in existence long after the jobs are gone - that intangible feeling of what once was, and what cannot be forgotten. 

Instant Instagram

I've been really busy this week (and will be next week as well), so blog posts aren't happening as frequently as I'd ideally like them to.

You can still keep up with all of my goings on on Instagram, though! Follow me @disownedclothing - I promise to be entertaining...
Almost as entertaining as my first attempt at editing my blog layout with html. Enjoy the weird photos and obsessive food documentation. 

First Signs of Spring

  

 

On Saturday, the sun peeked out and warmed the layer of ice that has been covering everything in sight for this past month, and the balmy 50+ degree temperatures prompted a walk in the park. In between avoiding sinking into the pools of mud and melted snow, there were signs of the impending spring season beginning to show their colors. Despite my love of big coats and snowy weather, I think that I am finally ready for the seasons to change. I can't wait for everything to begin to grow again!