Absence in appalachia series
This architectural, mixed media series illustrates the deterioration of predominant buildings – whether to me or to the region – and the absence of our loved ones through illuminating an otherwise dark and empty space. These illustrations are drawn on ink and paper and then scanned in digitally to give the illuminating effect that bounces of the trees and bricks.
Rosier
This is the first installment in the series illustrating my grandparents old farmhouse located in Knottsville, West Virginia. It was built in 1902 and was home to the late Robert and Shirley Rosier. The Rosiers raised three daughters, six grandkids, and three great-grandchildren until their passing in the late 2010s.
WILLARD
The Willard Hotel, built in 1911, served travelers on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad for 77 years. It now sits vacant in downtown Grafton, WV as a reminder of what the coal mining town used to be.
Bennett
Tucked away safely on the side of the highest ridge of the Alleghenies, Spruce Knob, is the home of Dorothy and Fay Bennett. The Bennetts raised a son and a daughter, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren until Fay’s passing 2014 and Grandma Dot’s passing in 2023.
