In preparation for the forthcoming module 'Sustainable Strategies', we were invited to produce a ‘micro-project’ taking influence from the 1963 publication ‘Twentysix Gasoline Stations’ by Edward Ruscha.
The original publication by Edward Ruscha was best described as factual records of petrol stations as he drove the highway from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. The format of the book reveals one or two photographs within relatively large areas of white space. The images are simply captioned with the name of the station and its location.
This concept resonated with many, and his format subsequently influenced the work of photographers across the world, as detailed in ‘Various Small Books.’
In order to replicate this concept, I decided to record a subject matter that was close to home. The notion was to record the mundane, everyday, frequently overlooked subject matter of our farm gateways. The title ‘Broken Boundaries’ refers to the natural break in the hedge required for access to cultivate, protect, or contain livestock.
Drawn to the aesthetics, I appreciated the natural frame created by the gateways – windows edging the enclosure beyond. Relating back to my initial research proposal in which I plan to investigate the relationship between nature and farming practice I have chosen to title my images simply, with the field name and the current use of the field, for example; cattle grazing, spring barley, and wildlife areas.
I thoroughly enjoyed the creative process of this small project, perhaps it was the greater sense of freedom I felt knowing this work was not being graded! I love the concept of these small, tactile books and plan to print and bind this book in due course, reveling in the opportunity to acquire a new practical skill that could be helpful as I progress to my Final Major Project.
Currently 'Twentysix Broken Boundaries' is available in a digital format which can be viewed here:
References
WHITE, Maria. 2013. EDWARD RUSCHA 'TWENTYSIX GASOLINE STATIONS' 1963. TATE. Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/about-us/projects/transforming-artist-books/five-artist-book-summaries/edward-ruscha-twentysix-gasoline-stations-1963 [accessed 09.05.23]
BROUWS, J. BURTON, W. ZSCHIEGNER, H. 2013. Various Small Books. Referencing Various Small Books by Ed Ruscha. The MIT Press.
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