What the camera sees

About this series

Over a period of several months I photographed the house where I lived in Ithaca, New York. I constantly noticed cracks and dirt and felt compelled to photograph it. In a way, this series is a record of all the things that annoyed me when I looked around.

The decay of a vernacular building reflects the use of the structure. After months or years of use, a light switch or door starts to show evidence of wear and tear. The dirt and oil from the occupants’ hands will become visible. Paint starts to chip and eventually the wood chips too. The years of occupation and neglect add up and create permanent dirt. Eventually there is a residue that no amount of scrubbing can remove. Although the house is not completely falling down, there are little things that give the place a shabby feel.

I didn’t feel the need or desire to make small repairs, like painting, because it was only my temporary living space. Yet I felt a connection to the house and it affected my mood. In this case, the wear and tear from the years of occupancy depressed me, especially in the cold gray Ithaca winter.