Bill's Diner.

Bill's Diner. 3.22.08

WHY JELLICO?

I've mentioned Jellico a few times in the past year or so. Why, you ask? Well, my wife is from there, so when we visit family I occupy some of my time walking around taking pictures. I tend to gravitate towards backroads and people-less places. While Jellico is by no means people-less, parts of it can seem pretty lonely at times and I think this says alot about the town and others like it...all uniquely out of the way and endearing. All in transition.

The postcard I posted a few items below was made during a more prosperous time in some of the small towns that are now quite depressed in the Appalachian region. Coal mines have shut down, companies have moved out, and they haven't been replaced by a solid source of employment...at least not in the same abundance. It is interesting to me to walk around in these areas and find what holds my attention. Some may find these pictures mundane and perhaps even boring, and wonder why I'm taking pictures of a lone cedar tree (for example), but I find them exciting in many ways. Behind that cedar tree is an abandoned restaurant (KFC) and plenty of "Keep Out" signs...a story about what was, and what might have happened. The shots say something about the history of the place (to me anyway), and definitely something about the present...perhaps even a glimpse of what could be in the future...

If you like the idea of roadsides and the charms they hold, feel free to come out to the Disc Exchange in South Knoxville on April 4th. I'll be showing a few of the shots on the walls, and a band will play (THE ELEMENTS). Food will be served in some form...and brown-bagging is the way to go.

HELVETICA. A Documentary Film...

The Knoxville chapter of the AIGA will be hosting a screening of Gary Hustwit's documentary film HELVETICA. The film is out on DVD (and has won a few awards, btw), but why not go out and see the thing in person? It'll be fun, and if you're a type-nerd it'll be especially fun.

THURSDAY MARCH 27th at the KMA (Knoxville Museum of Art). 7.00 PM.

HELVETICA

KNOXVILLE AIGA

KMA

Grilled Cheese / Laundry

I'll be showing some form of framed art on the Disc Exchange walls (Chapman Highway in South Knoxville) starting on the First Friday of April...I'm not sure what will be shown just yet, but the decision will be made this week, and these photos are in the running. I have some photos from Jellico that I have been playing with, and may frame some of them to show. We'll see. For now, I just like looking at these and trying to figure out just how close to the door that Clothesline actually is, and if that door can even be opened...and if the grilled cheese is good at the Jellico Motel Restaurant. I'll go back and see.