Artist Statement

Erica Woods

Film 150

March 27, 2009

 

Artist Statement

 

I know Johnson’s Park as a glimmer of hope. I wanted to find these small pieces and magnify them through their heavy, burdened flaws of poverty, litter, and misconceptions. It was difficult to find the opportunity to connect with the people of this community, as a result, I had to open myself up to listening to the environment and nature and tap into it’s voice. The photos I have selected do just that, tells the story, the contemplation of the heart of Johnsons Park. On the surface level, Johnsons Park was wide, empty and spacious, but the more I began to blend/merge within this community the more heightened my senses became. I began to notice life growing underneath all of clutter.

            The images I’ve selected illustrate the transition happening within this vibrant community. After sifting through all of the dead leaves, broken concrete, and construction there’s much inspiration lurking in alleyways, sidewalks, through worn windows, and solidifying itself in the soil of the land.  A new history is bound to immerge; new communities of people are alive and united.

            During this experience, I’ve discovered that the camera is a very powerful tool, and one of the most passionate forms of communication. It is not boggled down by oversimplified language, words that over generalize the feelings/perspectives of our existence as human beings in which we try so hard to express and ignite understanding/commonality with others.  Our vision, photographic memories are the solid moments in our lives when we are rectified as participants of and within reality, Photographs capture and preserve that. Confirm that. These are our creations, interpretations within our space, within our time.