Last Post: Future, etc

All info about the future of the project will be available either on my site, or on my blog. This is the last post about the project at this location--sorry for any confusion or frustration.

Project: I have not looked at a single piece of film or contact sheet since I have been home, and I probably won't for a few more days. I will have a rough edit done in about 2 weeks, just in time for the Blurb Competition, which I have decided to submit to. This edit will be very loose, and will probably not look anything like the final, which I expect to be finished by this winter, or in the early parts of 2009.

Words cannot express my feelings about this project. I worked my ass of for a solid year to make it happen, and then I left everything behind, shut everyone out of my life, and focused on only myself and my work for 300 days. Sounds wonderful, and it was. But the fact is I lost a lot this last year. I also gained a lot. Only time will tell...

Change your site feed

Things here at Boonvilleusa.com will be coming to an end over the next few days. For continued updates and info, change your site feeder over to www.haveyouseenmydynamite.com. Go here to do it now.

This site will eventually be forwarded to the new location. So if you don't have a site feeder, things should continue on as normal.

Day 328, Greetings from NY!

Laura, NY Subway, July, 2007

A few days ago I picked up seven small boxes of film from Louisville, KY. These boxes represent the culmination of the last five years of my life, and the future of Boonville. The last year will always mean so much more then a few boxes of film, but there is an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction when holding the (near) entirety of the project in my hands -- It really blows my mind that all the sweat and tears, in its physical form, can simply be held in my arms!

Over the last year I've pretty much been in my own world, but now I'm finally back and dealing with the reality of it all. I'm excited about the editing process, etc. But I'm completely broke, have no income at all, do not have a job lined up, and I'm desperately trying to rebuild my relationship with Laura (I believe we are on the road to a healthy recovery!). Not to mention coming down from being on the road for the last 300+ days and having the weight of the projects completion on my shoulders.

Over the last few days that I've been home, I've been having trouble sleeping, I can't sit still, and the anxiety is giving me crushing headaches. Although I currently feel like it's all crashing in around me, I'm embracing every minute of it. I worked for a very long time to make it to this place. And as I sat in my kitchen staring out the window today, I remembered the long nights in which I would dream about this moment. I'm extremely grateful and proud. And very excited! Stay tuned. More on editing and the next phase soon.

Lame Deer & Devils Tower

Devils Tower

After an hour of driving on Rt 90 through Montana, I decided to turn off and take the back roads. What a beautiful thing. No cops, no trucks, no cars, and the few people I did pass waved to me, or tipped their cowboy hat.

I made my way about 60 miles before I found gas. A close call. Especially since I still have no cell service. I roll into the sparse town of Lame Deer, MT. Minutes after entering, I see 10 kids on four wheelers, 6 people riding horses, and 50 to 100 people walking the dirt roads. The town was old and beautiful: Robert Adams beautiful, not Ansel Adams. The economy is obviously depressed, and the town was littered with "I Am Meth Clean" stickers. Lame Deer is in the middle of Cheyenne Country. About 95% of the people I saw were American-Indian. I spent a few hours taking photos, and I was even invited into the home of local who wanted to show me the Buffalo head in his bedroom. He explained how he places the skull face down to keep its spirit from escaping. He then invited me to a Sweat. I denied. It was a fun few hours. And a needed boost.

I then headed to Devils Tower, and the to Deadwood, SD, where I stayed the night. I'm finally off to Mt. Rushmore today. And then no more screwing around, I'm getting my ass home.

Hannah Montana

Somewhere in Montana, June 8, 2008

A lot has happened over the last few weeks. Laura and I started out on a great road trip that ended up being awesome, terrible, horrible, and awesome. It's back to being somewhere between terrible and horrible. Laura flew home from Spokane, WA yesterday: The road, and the stop-and-go was getting to her -- and of course there is being stuck in a small car with me.

I will write more later, but the bottom line is that Boonville, and my (often selfish) obsession with the road and my work, has damaged our relationship. There were many times on this trip I struggled with this projects purpose, and the purpose of life and art in general. These are thought-provoking and important questions -- in my opinion -- but right now none of it seems remotely worth it.

After Laura flew out, I went across the street to fill up the car with gas. I was shocked to find out my bank card get denied. It turns out that I recently lost track of my bank acct while traveling, and I now have a balance of -$27. I then realize my emergency CC expired just last month, and all I have is $20 in cash. I pulled out the greatly-in-debt Amex card used for Boonville, and although it is far passed max, it still worked. And to top it all off, my cell phone has not had service since.

I am in Montana now, and will be heading to Devils Tower and Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands today. I hope to be home soon. I am very tired of being on the road, and all I want to do is figure out my life, my relationship and to sleep in my own bed for the first time since November.

Kody

Kody, Midnight Milking, Boonville, New York, 2007

Last week I received some tragic news about a dear friend in Boonville, NY. During the time I was in NY, I stayed with the Beasock Family for three or four weeks. The time spent with them and in NY was some of the most productive, inspiring and enlightening times I had over the course of the entire trip.

I cannot fully express how amazing the Beasock Family was. They took me into their home and cared for me as if I was one of their own. We had a sit-down dinner almost every night. I went hunting with them, carved pumpkins on Halloween, and witnessed their immense love for one another first hand.

Sadly, their youngest boy, Kody, and his brother Christopher, were in a terrible dirt-bike accident on Memorial day. Kody passed away instantly (he was only twelve), and Chris is in critical condition in Syracuse. I want to, and could, write an entire thesis about those two boys and their love for each other and the outdoors. But right now I can't. I love those boys, and that family very much. And I am still at a loss for words.

*Taken from a post about the Beasock Family, dated November, 3, 2007 (click HERE for post):

"I don't have a favorite, but Kody reminds me of myself at his age: Loud, obnoxious, and hilarious, with a slight touch of brilliance--if I may say so."

...

Pause | to Begin

Last week I met up with David and Ethan from Pause to Begin. They are on a month-long trip across the states and Mexico. They are meeting with and interviewing the 15 photographers chosen for the inaugural PtB book and exhibition.

We met up at Point Ryes National Seashore (or something like that) and found a nice place to camp for the night.

I had a few too many beers before the video-interview started and I had just finished the bulk of Boonville two days before. I was all over the place, to say the least. Regardless, I had a really great time. And it was actually very therapeutic to talk about the ups and downs and details of the last ten months, even if I wasn't ready for it.

They are writing a great blog about their travels: pausetobegin.com/blog

Day 6, No Sky Walk for You

Due to scheduling problems, and the fact that Laura and I underestimated the size of this country, I regret to say that we will not be visiting the Grand Canyon. I was really excited to see the new sky walk that protrudes out from the edge of the Canyon and allows you to float 4,000 ft. above its bottom. Bummer.

The last few days have been very hectic. We traded in the huge monster that I was driving across the country, which was full of a years worth of crap and photo equip., for a much smaller animal that just cannot hold all of my shit. Frustration ensued. But, we are slowly figuring it out, and will be on the road tomorrow, and on our way to camp in Big Sur for a few days.



Yesterday we hung out at the beach in San Diego with Daniel and Dana--Laura's brother and sister-in-law--and their new puppy, Petey. Good times.

Coming Home: Day 3, San Diego, CA

Photo by Laura and Blackberry

Photo: Last picture taken with 2001 Chrystler 300M (Steve). Ten months, twenty-one thousand miles, one tow, six oil changes, twenty-five states, no tickets, no flats, three new drive-shafts, and five-bungi-cords-holding-bumper-together later, "Steve" has been traded for a 2006 Nissan Sentra. No name yet.

So, Laura and I have not spent more then four days with each other since July, 2007. We are now embarking on a thirty-day cross-country tourist fest. I will be taking many pictures, all of which (thankfully!) will be completely unrelated to Boonville.

It's been great being reunited with Laura. But in a small car together for thirty days? We will either have the greatest time, want to kill each other, or both--Please stay tuned! Laura is writing a blog about the trip as well: Roemer's Reality

We are off to the Grand Canyon on Tuesday!

Stranded

Where is Amy Stein when you need her? I think I would have made a wonderful Stranded subject. Too bad.

While I was on my way through SF to pick up Laura in San Diego my car died. Actually, my drive shaft died. After twittering my situation, Geoff (@sadkids) showed up to enjoy in the fun. We got a ride with the tow-truck driver, had lunch, and I spent an hour or so taking pictures on Brannan St.

Half of my life-savings later (not saying much), I am back on the road. Or I will be very soon.

Thank You and Farewell, For Now

I've spent the last ten months traveling to six different regions of this country. I have struggled with myself for much of the trip. I have encountered personal battles that I have won and lost. And I have discovered first-hand the infinite possibilities and layers of the American landscape.

"The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem" -Walt Whitman.

With Boonville, I'm examining these six towns and the people that inhabit them as my way to investigate life and modernity in America: The typology, the people, the power, the corruption and the soil: All of this is my exploration of America's identity; through one lens, "one" town, and one collective ideology.

The first part of this project--the journey--is essentially over. Farewell, and thank you all. I have had the single greatest experience of my life. And without many of you (I began to make a list of names but stopped when it reached 200), it could not have been even remotely possible.

I would like to thank a few very special people: Laura Roemer, Spencer Chandler, George Rosa, Sandra Briner + Mike Zmuda, Skip + Dawn Briner, Karen + Charlie Roemer, Jason Covert and Andrew Dailinger. You were all instrumental in making this project come true. Thank you.

And thank you to every single Boonvillian and friend I have met along the way. You--individually and collectively--have given me more then I could have ever imagined.

This journal is not complete. Stay tuned for more, if you'd like.

Playing w/ Records

Shawn + Max Records, Portland, OR, 2008

I'm currently in Portland, OR. I've been having a tough time creatively while in Boonville, CA--I'm simply coming to the end of my rope. So I took off at the last minute on Saturday to get out of my head, and visit with an old high school friend, and Shawn Records. I've been having a nice and relaxing time: Playing video games with Mik (HS buddy) and his son, and tossing the frisbee with one of Shawn's two kids. I'm also lounging around with Shawn in his backyard, drinking beer and dorking out. A good visit. I am back to Boonville on Thursday after a nice coastal camping trip.

I turn twenty-seven on Wednesday.

In Search of America, Part 4.

Flags & Roses, Boonville, IN, 2008

Anyone else feel like sleeping till noon, and then taking a nap at three? You questioning your existence? NO? Me neither!

"I have been traveling lately trying to understand what it means to be American. I have been doing my best to become an American, I have been eating, driving, dressing, talking, etc like an American, watching how Americans talk to each other, how they think, how they react, what they say behind closed doors, etc. What does it mean to be American? What have we become? What is our future? Are we realizing that everything we have allowed ourselves to become in the past 30 years is going to slowly kill us? Have we dug our own grave and are we now polishing the casket?" - Will Steacy

vs.

"The Americans of all nations at any time upon the earth have probably the fullest poetical nature. The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem. In the history of the earth hitherto the largest and most stirring appear tame and orderly to their ampler largeness and stir. Here at last is something in the doings of man that corresponds with the broadcast doings of the days and night. Here is not merely a nation but a teeming nation of nations." -Walt Whitman

Alexander Supertramp

"The trip was to be an odyssey in the fullest sense of the word, an epic journey that would change everything." -Jon Krakauer, Into The Wild

Two days ago I started the book Into The Wild for the second time on this trip. I watched the film of the same name for the first time three days ago. And I finished the book this morning. The film is very beautiful, but is ultimately a waste of time. Sean Penn supposedly worked on getting the film made for ten years. The story goes that he read the book in one sitting, and after finishing it he immediately read it again, and then he began the long journey to writing it for the screen and directing it. Sean Penn succeeded at pulling on my heart-strings, and making a typical Hollywood feature. But the movie fails, in almost every way, to tell an honest tale of this young man and his "great adventure."

Read the book. The movie just romanticizes his journey. I understand artistic license, but the fact that he manipulated factual information really bothers me. Christopher McCandless would surely be disappointed in the conventionalism and fluffiness of Penn's story.

Day 270-ish, 24 days to go

The sick is over. I survived.

I photographed the High School Prom the other night... But I have nothing much else to report. The town is awesome, unique, and mysterious. I have very little energy, and have even less motivation to write on this blog. But stay tuned. The randomness will continue.

Nine Months

I've been having a great time over the last few days--shooting, eating, drinking, sleeping, drinking, shooting, eating, sleeping, etc.

I've been on the road for nine months today. Nine months! I can't believe it's almost over. Seems like yesterday that blah blah... But now, for the first time in nine months (and probably a lot longer) I'm sick. I haven't had anything worse then a small headache this entire time. But it caught up with me. I slept twelve hours yesterday. Who sleeps twelve hours!?

Anyway... I'm off to soup, tea and bed.

I Can't Paint

Noel Rodo-Vankeulen started a photography blog in December, 2007 called We Can't Paint. It's turned into my favorite morning coffee spot. I can say many things about Noel. But the bottom line is that he shows great work, asks great questions, he's extremely intelligent and there's no bullshit attached.

Over the last few months I have been sending Noel images from my Boonville work. I sent him a few pieces for an interview he did with me awhile back (Interview and images HERE), and Noel took the time to write me a wonderful review of each image. I have been sending him work ever since, and he has continued to send me lengthy reviews.

Noel has a way with words and he has an understanding of photography and art unlike anyone I have known.

I'm very excited about his upcoming project.

"We Can’t Paint Magazine and We Can’t Paint Gallery will become extensions of my blog, permitting both a lengthier viewing experience and a broader forum to contemplate issues concerning the medium. For me these two new additions are not replacing the We Can’t Paint blog, but they are natural progressions of expanded ideas and collaborations."

For more info, and to learn how to submit work for We Can't Paint--blog, magazine, and gallery--go HERE.

Pause | To Begin

Image Copyright Thomas Prior

I'm happy to announce that I was one of fifteen photographers to be accepted for the upcoming Pause, To Begin exhibition, book, and documentary. This is the first time the work from Boonville will be displayed. I'm very excited.

View the Pause, To Begin SITE to view selected works from the chosen photographers.

"In the coming months your work will be exhibited in our online gallery, in an exhibition, and in a limited edition hard bound book published by Booksmart Studio in Rochester, NY. Additionally, you will be featured in a Pause, to Begin documentary created by international filmmaker Bruno Toré.

In the next week we will be contacting you to schedule a time and date when we can come meet you in order to learn more about your work."

"the heartbeat and backbone of America"

"The last president to visit the town of over 7,000 people was Abraham Lincoln, and the last presidential candidate to visit was Robert Kennedy in 1968.

'I love coming to places that don't normally see presidents of the United States. You're the heartbeat and backbone of America,' [Bill] Clinton said when he first scanned the crowd upon his arrival [to Boonville, Indiana]."

Can I Come Home With You Tonight?

Untitled (Can I Come Home With You Tonight?), Copyright Jane Tam

As many of you know, I have received all of my monetary support for this ten-month insanity from friends, family, and artists--I'm extremely grateful. As I'm approaching the finish line, I'm now about five grand in the hole. What better time to give back, right? I just bought the above print, created by Jane Tam, and I just sent Jason L. a check for his exhibition catalog.

Spending money is not something that normally makes me happy (I'm a bit down as my previous post will explain). But if I see a good opportunity, and if the majority of the proceeds go to the artists, or non-profits that give back to the community, like Cannery Works (my support), and Humble, then I'll do what I can--and sometimes even if I can't.

Support good art.

...

Are we there yet?

I was that kid. And I still am.

I will not subject you to another round of whining. Randomly click on the archives below and you will surely find a post that will discuss my previous struggles and frustrations. This time, like all the rest, is the worst yet. Nine days and counting... but this time life has intersected. It seems like all the issues that my personal life wanted to throw at me over the last year waited until I arrived to Boonville, CA. Not a big deal, It will work out.

P.S. Anyone have an extra five grand lying around? Let me know. Thanks.

President Clinton to visit Boonville, IN

"Former President Clinton will make stops on Thursday in Boonville, Jasper, Vincennes and Clinton, though exact locations and times have yet to be announced."

UPDATE: "Clinton is expected to speak at 2 p.m. for approximately 35 to 40 minutes in the Pioneer Stadium, the Boonville High School basketball gymnasium. That facility has a seating capacity of over 5,000. The public and members of the press are invited."

Women Photographers

unite.

"when you see one of these badges on someone’s site, you know that you’re free to e-mail her and you’ll be met with warmth and enthusiasm and a helping hand." -Liz Kubal

A new blog and resource for women photographers has been created: http://womenincontemporaryphotography.blogspot.com/

"The idea is to give women a place to show their work as well as share news, book releases, and opportunities. We would like to get things started with a group show. We are sending out a call for entries, suggestions or support. "

Women in Photography
submissions: womeninphotography@gmail.com

5 jpegs from a cohesive project
Brief bio / statement

Jpegs- 5x7 @ 150 dpi
named: photogsname_title.jpg

If you are a female photographer, or artist, and have not read this NY Times Style article or seen the responses by Edna, Cara, and Liz, then I am glad I added this. If you have... just ignore it.

Day 245, Boonville, CA!

I arrived to Boonville, CA last night. I'm staying just out of town at a rustic cabin at the Wellspring Renewal Center. As they say on their site: "A Sacred Wilderness Setting for Renewal of the Human Spirit." The place is majestic.

I've only been in Boonville for one day, but I am afraid that it already has a hold of me. Boonville is a population of roughly 712, it's nestled in the Anderson Valley, it's quaint, Liberal, and they have a Boonville Beer Festival once a year, amongst many other fantastic qualities. I don't think I will ever want to leave. Sorry Brooklyn.

And no, it is not a coincidence that I am here during the Beer festival.

Up Next/Last: Boonville, California!

Last stop, Boonville!

It's been a long trip, but I'm very excited to be finishing this ten-month journey in Boonville, California. The normal nervous anxiety awaits. More soon.

Friday: A's vs Giants

Home-Cooked Meal, #24

Geoff Ellis and Sarah Lacy, San Francisco, CA, 2008

A huge thanks to Geoff (Sadkids) Ellis and Sarah Lacy for the most amazing fried chicken I have ever had (I just had seconds, it is good!). Also, they have opened their home and their Guitar Hero to me this week (and they have generously donated to the project in the past!). We are going to a Giants game tomorrow. Good times.

I am off to Boonville, CA on Saturday.

Tue, Wed: Random SF

This question has come up three times since I got to San Francisco: "Who in the world decided it would be a good idea to build a city here?" I love it, I really do, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. But it is kinda crazy people agreed to build a large city here -- just doesn't seem possible. If it was my choice, I would have said no. But nobody listens to me anyway.

Monday: Rt. 1

I drove part of California State Route One on my way to SF. I fell in love. The cliffs, sunset, and death-defying hairpin turns definitely have the potential to motivate and inspire. My digital camera died on me about an hour after I hit the road -- I missed some great moments. But I was forced to truly experience something for once. I should put down the camera more often.

Sunday: Salton Sea

Driving log:
Thursday, 8 hours (Marfa, TX) - Saturday, 10 hours (Phoenix, AZ) - Sunday, 7 hours (San Bernadino, CA) - Monday, 6 hours (San Francisco, CA). Next stop, Boonville!