Boonville Archive

This is an archive covering all the posts written by Timothy Briner over the course of an eleven month period in 2007 & 2008, while I working on the Boonville project.

Visit www.timothybriner.com for more information. No new news will be covered on this site. You can visit HYSMD for continuous updates.

To navigate the archive, click on the links to the right.

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

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.

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!

Marfa, day 2

Photographer Will Steacy and I have been running around Marfa, TX for the last few days. If you have the opportunity to visit Marfa, I highly recommend it! I'm off to Phoenix, AZ.

Marfa

Prada Marfa , an installation by Berlin Based artists Elmgreen and Dragset

I am on the road to Boonville, California. I will be stopping at many places along the way -- Marfa, Texas being the first.

My time in Boonville, Texas was short, compared to the other Boonvilles I have lived in, but it was an important visit, and it has reconnected me with many of the ideas that were running through my head when I first created this project. I'm excited to see the images, and to fit them together with the rest of the work. Thanks Boonville/Bryan, Texas. It was a challenging but rewarding visit.

Marfa, Texas (wikipedia):
In 1971, Donald Judd, the renowned minimalist artist, moved to Marfa from New York City. After renting summer houses for a couple of years he bought two large hangars, some smaller buildings and started to permanently install his art. While this started with his building in New York, the buildings in Marfa (now The Block, Judd Foundation) allowed him to install his works on a larger scale. In 1976 he bought the first of two ranches that would, to him, be his primary places of residence, continuing a long love affair with the desert landscape surrounding Marfa. Later, with assistance from the Dia Art Foundation in New York, Judd acquired decommissioned Fort D.A. Russell, and began transforming the fort's buildings into art spaces in 1979. Judd's vision was to house large collections of individual artists' work on permanent display, as a sort of anti-museum. Judd believed that the prevailing model of a museum, where art is shown for short periods of time, does not allow the viewer an understanding of the artist or their work as they intended.

The Eagle

The last few days have been great -- lots of shooting. An article came out today. Read it here.

The Home Stretch?

Coon Hunters, Boonville, N. Carolina, 2007

I leave for CA early next week, and it finally hit me that Boonville, CA will be my final destination on this ten-month journey. From time to time I think hard about where I am, and how I got here, and I am still shocked that it is happening -- and yet it is almost over. Somebody recently asked me if I am able to enjoy the actual journey and process. I want to say that I do, and that it is great. But the truth is that I will probably have a much stronger understanding of it while I am sitting at home a year from now, looking over all my notes, and snapshots from this process. I do enjoy it. And I do love it. But can I really fully understand and experience it in real time? I think I am, but I wonder how this journey will affect me over time.

I’m getting really nervous that this is almost finished. I can’t wait to go home, but I often feel like I am just getting started. The plan has always been to revisit each of the communities at least once more, for a week or so at a time. I look forward to that: Seeing all my friends, and taking another look at my notes, and previous images. I do not plan on stretching this project out any farther then I need to. But something is only done when it is done.

My biggest worry right now is money. As of February, I have exhausted all of my funds -- Gas and film developing are the main culprits. I know it shouldn’t be on my mind, because it will just add more pressure to the process, but that is reality. I’m currently working on making a few 11x14” fiber prints available for sale at a low price, to help get my film developer paid (he is currently working on IOUs) and to get me through Boonville, CA. More on that soon…

The last four days have been great. They have been filled with absolutely nothing. I was out taking pictures the other day, and I ran into John and his dog, Edie. John is in his mid-twenties, and lives in an apartment on the former site of Boonville, Texas. He kindly invited me to stay over for a night (I was in a motel for 3 days before that because of the cold). One night turned into four, and I did nothing but sit in John’s apartment watching the likes of Family Guy, Freaks and Geeks, the Discover and History channel, and South Park. It was absolutely wonderful, and a much needed dose of brainless Television. I did feel a bit guilty at times, but if I have learned anything about my low points, it’s to listen to and embrace them. I did shoot a bit while I was at John’s. But it was mostly inside his apartment, and a few portraits of him behind the complex.

Over the last seven months, there has been somewhat of a structure to the trip, and to the towns. Boonville, Texas is not a town, and it has thrown me for a bit of a loop. I'm enjoying the challenge, but it has definitely lived up to its "question mark" status. The work here has become a bit more conceptual, which feels great, and it works, but overall it has been a shock to the system.

Last night, while back at the camp, I went through almost all of the work I have shot to date. I am very excited about getting home and putting it all together. I haven’t looked at some of it for five or six months. It’s interesting how certain things pop out at me now, and actually make sense. I hope to see more of that when I get home.

I have a new site up. It's in the early stages. www.timothybriner.com

TX update: Bugs and Crack

I cracked my Mamyia 7 (camera) and flash last night. Crap!

Also, It was too cold and wet to camp, so I stayed in a shitty motel. I woke up at 3am with a terrible nightmare -- bugs were crawling all over me, and eating me alive. I instantly went into a panic and thought I was actually being eating alive -- not a far stretch considering the place I am staying.

The camera still works. Just doesn't focus properly. And the cable release cracked off and is jammed all up in it. I was having a blast shooting though. So I kept on it. I hope the shot was worth it. The flash works, but the hotshoe is completely gone. So I can still attach a sync cord, or hand hold it. Not so bad. Gotta send the 7 off to Mamiya -- not looking forward to that bill.

Otherwise, I'm doing great. Enjoying sleeping in a bed, and got some film back today. I'm excited about a few things. Some early images were just studies -- some of which I was hoping would be finals, but it's back to the beginning for those guys.

I'm in TX for about twelve more days. I'm slowly figuring out my place in it, and I'm looking forward to the coming week -- and CA!

get out of your own way, Tim!

At the bottom of this post you will find a page taken from my Journal, from five months ago (I've been reading through them lately). It pretty much sums up how I feel today, and yesterday, and the day before.

It's interesting how exactly five months ago I was feeling scared and confused, mostly about the project and the work. I've come a long way since October, 5, 2007, but I'm still confused from time to time. And I'm almost always scared of something. Usually it is something regarding my process, or lack of will, or money issues, but last night it was actually the wind. At about 12:30am I heard a bunch of noises, sounds of footsteps: I quietly undid my sleeping bag, opened my knife, and quickly zipped open my tent while I gracefully crawled towards the intruder -- hahahaha, I'm just like Rambo.

But seriously, each town is a new and completely different situation. And I still find myself going through the same, and necessary, motions to fully understand my place in it. I'm currently dealing with a bit of that. Five months ago I was down right scared. Now I have a bit of respect and understanding for it. But it still takes its toll.

Updated:
If I have sounded negative or put-upon in some posts regarding these struggles, I do not mean to. I'm having the time of my life, and I get to create art every single day! I'm loving every minute of it. Even the struggles. They're kinda the best part. They continue to make me think, and grow. And I don't think art is only about struggling, or pain, but I do think both of those things are strongly connected to the process of creating art. And with that comes meaningful work (crossing fingers). ###

"Boonville, New York, October 5, 2007

The hardest thing seems to be getting passed the fear. I have tons of self-doubt. It seems to be taking over. The fear is thick. Today I felt genuinely afraid and alone. I know what I must do, and I want to do it, it just seems to be getting harder. I believe I will struggle with this project up until the end. That is not comforting. Personal quests are meant to be filled with fear, guilt and self-doubt, that is why they are worth doing, to push me forward, right? Powerful ideas and projects are full of struggles and setbacks. My mind has to be strong. I have to believe. Or I will fail, this is certain. I must reach beyond myself, get out of my own mind, and see it from a different perspective -- get out of your own way, Tim!"

In Search of America, Part 3

Chevy Truck, Texas Flag, Boonville/Bryan, TX

I'm having a good time in Texas. I'm still not quite secure in how I'm feeling about the former Boonville, and how I will approach it, but I have started to produce a few things I am really excited about -- we will see how I feel after seeing them in a few days.

Texas is strange. It's hard to describe, but if you have ever been here, you know what I mean. It's everything and at the same time it is nothing. Very strange. Very big.

"Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word." John Steinbeck, Travels with Charlie: In Search of America, 1962

I'm currently struggling with having to drop Laura off at the airport. We spent the last few days in Austin, and now she is back in NY. After finally being back together for the first time in over two months, we are again separated. Three days is only long enough to make us miss each other more.

Home-Cooked Meal, #23 (Thanks SFA!)

PBJ, Sarah Sudhoff, Nochadoches, TX, Feb., 2008

As I previously mentioned, Sarah Sudhoff invited me to be a guest lecturer at the Stephen F. Austin State University, in Nochadoches, TX. It went very well. I had a great time speaking, as well as hanging out with some of the photography students.

Sarah was very kind: putting me up for a few nights, giving me access to her shower, making me dinner two nights in a row, and being an all around killer host and good time. A big thanks to SFA, Sarah, Gary, and all of the students and faculty that made it out to hear all my babbling.


Sarah and I, Nochadoches, TX

Talk: Thur., Feb. 28, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX

Sarah Sudhoff has kindly asked me to be a guest lecturer at the Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. If you are near Nacogdoches, please stop by!

Thursday, February 28, 2008, 5-6pm
Stephen F. Austin State University
2124 Wilson Drive North
Art Building, Room 106
Nacogdoches, Texas

Gladys Cundiff Morrison

Gladys Cundiff Morrison with picture of first High School for black students in Yadkin County, Boonville, NC

Today I found an article written about Gladys Cundiff Morrison and her late father, E. L. Cundiff. Mr. E. L. Cundiff, who died at the age of 102 in 1999, was the leading force behind establishing the first School for black children where the grades went through High School, in Boonville, N. Carolina.

From the Winston-Salem Journal, 02-27-08:

"Gladys Morrison lived within a half-mile of several schools that she couldn’t attend. Her textbooks, often secondhand, were missing pages. Yet, as a child in the 1930s, she says, she didn’t know that she was missing out. She had dreams that took her far beyond segregated Yadkin County.

Her one-room school in Boonville went to only the seventh grade. Most students left to find menial jobs, something her father, E.L. Cundiff, couldn’t bear. So, he pushed the General Assembly to pressure local officials to provide money for a new school. And in 1941, he donated land for the Yadkin County School.

Morrison and her friends didn’t fully understand the full meaning of segregation. 'Back in those days, there was no animosity. There were white students, and we knew each other, and when it was time to go to school, they went one way, and we went another,' she said. 'Back then, they didn’t teach hate. It took a long time before we knew why.'

Her father was a teacher and would have educators from Philadelphia and other big cities in their home. He was always looking for ways to encourage black students and broaden their horizons, Morrison said." (This is edited, read the whole article here)

I spent many hours with Gladys at her home while I was in NC. All day actually. The time spent with her was memorable. She is extremely active in the surrounding communities, just as her father was before her. If I remember correctly, Gladys is the director of the local arts organization in Elkin, NC, and was a former director at a halfway house for woman. She also acts as a mentor to many woman in the area. One of which came by during my visit, seeking her advice. With all this -- and many other things, I'm sure -- she still has time for current politics. She was reading Barack's biography and had just finished Hillary's, when I came to visit. Something I don't have the patience for.

I recently received a wonderful letter from her: "Are you eating well? (smiles) The Loaf Bread you liked so well could very well be repeated. Do let me know." Gladys Cundiff Morrison is a truly special person. And like many of the other people I have encountered along the way, I am honored to know her.


Gladys, Boonville, NC, 2007

P. S. See a few more images from the project here.

Camping

Bryan Lake, Bryan, TX, Feb. 23, 2008

Save Boonville

Still camping, have not showered since I was in Dallas on Monday, cut my finger chopping wood, had to find a cheap clinic to get a tetanus shot, and I've been kept awake by loud kids and bonfires for the last three days. But on to the important part...


2002 aerial photo of old Boonville property with original survey markings laid over top (click for larger view).

This morning I went to a talk at the local Heritage Center. Mr. Henry Mayo gave a presentation on the property where the former Town of Boonville sits, and its historical relevance. The majority of the "old Boonville" property has already been optioned by a firm to put in a commercial center -- adding a Best Western, as well as other businesses. Mr. Mayo is trying to get the city to purchase a piece of land to add a small park in the old town square. He is not even trying to deter this "progress" from happening. He just wants a small park. But nobody seems to be listening.

Boonville was officially registered as a town in 1844, but was first settled in the 1830s or so. It became extinct in 1866, but there were probably people still living there and calling it Boonville until the early 1900s. Old Boonville was the FIRST town and the FIRST County Seat of Brazos County. It is rich with history, and it has never even been the subject of a proper archaeological dig. And as we speak, bulldozers under contract from the commercial firm are further destroying its history. Granted, they are most likely just simple artifacts, but isn't that important? Or are they just artifacts? Isn't it also a statement on our current values in a largely quick-and-easy and corporate society? I don't know who's misstep it was, but shame on them (the City of Bryan, Texas?) for never making old Boonville something more then a future shopping center.

This project has never really been about the history of the towns. But that doesn't mean I am not invested in it. I've researched each towns origins and history for years, and I continue to do so when I arrive into each new community. TX is no different, except maybe that I am a bit more interested, seeing that it's all that's left.

Today I met some wonderful people that are very interested and passionate about old Boonville. It is amazing how many people don't even know about the former town. And as one person put it to me today, "Most people think the Boonville Cemetery is named for Boonville Road." If Mr. Mayo and the dedicated "old Boonvillians" of Bryan, TX do not succeed, then will people in 50 years think the Cemetery was named for the "Boonville Town Center," the name of the new Best Western commercial property?

Seriously, if we don't even preserve our beginnings, then what should we preserve?

Boonville, Texas

Cracked Gravestone, Boonville Cemetery, Bryan, TX

I'm currently camping near a lake in Bryan, TX. I was wrong in my previous post, Boonville became extinct around the late 1860s, and it looks like, from the map I got yesterday, that the town was less then a square mile.

There are a lot of different things going on in that small space. In the former town limits there is now an expressway, two car dealerships, a few broken and abandoned homes, a farm, and the outer edges of three or four different subdivisions. The Boonville cemetery is the only remaining sign that a town existed there, and it is huge.

I've been racking my head trying to figure out how to approach this town, and I think I got it. But it is early, and it has been a rough start. Camping hasn't been great. I was rained out last night and a few kids decided to party till 2am near my tent. I'm in good spirits though and have already made many contacts with the people who own the "old boonville" land. Still more to go. To be continued...

P.S. I was on the local news. Watch it here. It's very short.

Interview

There is an interview by Noel Rodo-Vankeulen about me and the project on his very nice blog, We Can't Paint (what a great name!). Read it here.

Home-Cooked Meal, #22

Oklahoma Joe's BBQ, Kansas City, MO

Thanks to Kevin and Tiffany (below) for the hospitality while in KC! They didn't make me a home-cooked meal, but we sure did stuff our faces while I was there.

Bryan/Boonville, Texas

View Larger Map


Above is the area in which Boonville, Texas once inhabited. The only remaining sign of Boonville's existence is Boonville Road, and the Boonville Cemetery. Boonville was incorporated and became the County Seat of Brazos County in the late 1870s. By the early 1900s it was a ghost town.

Just as many traditional American values are suffering today because of our need for convenience, so too was Boonville, TX. In the late 1890s the railroad came into Bryan, TX, the neighboring community, and everyone but a few deserted Boonville for the new form of transportation, and ways of receiving goods.

I arrive tomorrow morning. We are currently looking for the person in charge of the Cemetery so I can have full access, and I have an appointment with an area judge whose great-grandfather is buried there. I am very curious about this forgotten town. I've been thinking about it for a long time now, and I am still unsure how I am going to approach it. Tomorrow should be very interesting.

Kansas City, Urban Culture Project, FRIDAY, February 15, 2008

I am currently held up at Brad's place just outside of Boonville, Missouri. I am coming down from my fantastic Minneapolis experience, and from a short-but-sweet visit with Andy Adams of Flak Photo fame, in Madison, WI.

I am slowly making my way to Kansas City for a event-filled night at the Urban Culture Project Space this FRIDAY, February 15, 2008. If you are in the area, please come on by! I will be starting off the events at 5:30 by giving a talk (babbling my face off), and showing some new work.

Urban Culture Project’s Third Friday Art Downtown February 15, 2008, 5:30-10pm, features a talk by New York based artist Timothy Briner about his Boonville project; the opening of Wild Reserve: Kelly J. Clark and Christa Dalien; a live electronic music performance by the Kansas City Electronic Music Alliance; the second reception for Locate | Navigate: exercises in mapping (Part 1), and open studios. All free and open to the public.

The Urban Culture Project Space
February 15, 5:30pm
21 East 12th Street
Kansas City, Missouri

Art Shanty, 2008

Art Shanty Project, Medicine Lake, MN, Feb. 9, 2008

Boy was that fun! Cold. Like -20 with wind chill, but a lot of fun! This is the 5th year for the Art Shanty Project, held on Medicine Lake, in the suburbs of Minneapolis.

"Art Shanty Projects is an artist driven temporary community exploring the ways in which the relatively unregulated public space of the frozen lake can be used as a new and challenging artistic environment to expand notions of what art can be.

The environment in Minnesota is challenging; cold being the harshest. Lakes are an often-used medium for recreational activity in Minnesota; winter does not stop this use, but transforms it. One of these uses; ice fishing is a popular winter activity in Minnesota and indeed throughout the world, people often fish from a structure commonly known as an ice fishing house, shelter, shack or shanty. Make shift communities position themselves over the best fishing spots. Deep in winter, the lake ice can get to be 2-3 feet thick, more than enough to support trucks and cars."

There are a number of different Art Shanties. The Shanty of Misfit Toys, the Norae (Karaoke) Shanty, the Pin-Hole Shanty, The Snap-Shot Shanty, The Knitting Shanty, the Giant Robot Shanty, Etc.

Peter Haakon Thompson, Auto Ethnographic HQ Shanty

The Art Shanty Projects are organized by David Pitman and Peter Haakon Thompson (My wonderful host -- Pictured above).


Moments after world record attempt

Yesterday, Robert Marbury organized an attempt to break the World Record for the longest bunny-hop-on-ice. Although we were 1,700 or so people shy of the record, we were still champions!


End of day, Art Shanty Project, Medicine Lake, MN

The wind was harsh and the air was cold, but the shanties were all welcoming and warm. If you are in the area, check it out, it is definitely worth it.

Make sure you stop into the Postal Shanty to send of a postcard, get warm, and have a shot, or two, or three.