My fascination with areas going through a process of deterioration is based on how they reflect change in what we value and protect as an urban society, that’s what initially motivates me to photograph these sites. But what captivates me long term us the strange beauty in these places and structures as they’re decaying, as they’re disintegrating.
The mining sites in the Eastern Sierras, the industrial buildings along the Petaluma River, the empty, crumbling pools at the Sutro Baths, the bridge over Islais Creek, the piers of abandoned docks in San Francisco Bay, have all fallen victim to obsolescence and a slow natural death. Conversely, Fort Point (an army base), Alcatraz (a prison) and China Camp (home to marginalized workers) have been converted into tourist attractions. This probably doesn’t reflect well on our society, but this isn’t my sole focus. I’m as interested in the visual possibilities inherent in all these structures, now past their point of usefulness, rust, crumbling cement, twisted metal, disintegrating wood. All have a unique beauty which pulls me in to look again and again.
