Social Narrative

Vacant
By Kristen Phelps

Statement of Purpose

Littered across the U.S. is evidence of life, which has come and gone. People build and use their homes, garages, businesses, and barns and give them back to the earth. Thus, the epidemic of vacant, abandoned, neglected structures, which covers New Hampshire.
For me this project has been a long time in the making and still not nearly finished. Over the years I’ve taken a liking to old, abandoned buildings, rusted trucks, and falling fences. I think what attracts me is the story in which they hold. Unlike new cars, buildings etc. they have lived through many years of good times and bad times, their weathered appearances are proof.
As I’ve become familiar with disregarding “No Trespassing” and “Private Property” signs I’ve been able to find the real beauty in these old places. The reflections and sharpness of broken glass, the curvature of warped floors, the texture in rusted metal, the moss growing in gorgeous green patterns all over the weathered wood have become things I look forward to capturing with my camera.
Although most of the places I visit are beyond repair they still deserve a second look. For decades, even centuries for some, they served their uses well and should be appreciated for that.
My hope is to continue this project. Research more abandoned and vacant places and visit them. This is somewhat of an on-going process. This body of work is my witness to the old, vacant, abandoned, neglected and beautiful things scattered around New Hampshire.
Enjoy.