Artist Statement
Mind the Edge
Becoming comfortable with the impermanence of life requires embracing risk. As a climber, there is a sense of heightened risk that eventually presents itself as comfortable. In this series of photographs, the viewer is expected to feel urges and desires. The title of the work, Mind the Edge, refers to the presence of danger involved in terms of climbing, but also in relation to the photographs. There it takes on an entirely new meaning. What really is minding the edge of something? For a climber, this involves being aware of a literal edge that could mean the difference between life and death. In this work, the edge is many things. It could reference an avoidance of finding the edge of our environmental health. It could also hint at becoming increasingly aware of our own impact in the world. It could mean taking a moment of thought to yourself, possibly leading to an awareness of what is around you. It could imply the risk of living, and how fleeting experiences may seem. We have this sense of haste in our lives that is a product of instant gratification, ultimately filling every moment with your own version of white noise. Rarely are we given opportunities to take time and experience something that stays—silence, or fresh air. In this work, it is not moving onto the next thing. It is creating emotional responses while being content in its existence. As someone who grew up in the Midwest, this work is a comment on my own views of a personal edge I have yet to find. The edge in climbing is a respected entity that does present danger, but once you embrace all the precautions to make it safe, it is easy to approach. In a lot of ways this work represents my own longing for something more; a place outside of where I currently reside. For me, where I live represents contentment. My motivation with this work involves taking steps toward removing myself from that feeling of comfort and finding out what it means for me to experience my personal edge.
