Artist Statement
Scattered beyond North Carolina’s growing urban cities are small towns untouched by modern development. One stoplight, a Citgo, and a local eatery, maybe all you find during a visit. When residing in Raleigh or Charlotte, it’s easy to forget our foundations. Our roots exist in the hearty dirt of tobacco fields, and the fresh rivers in Western North Carolina. Being forgotten or overlooked, has kept these small towns moving at a slow pace. There is a collision of old ideas and new. There is a separation from both urban neighbors and small towns surrounding.
In two months we drove down winding dirt roads, pale beaten highways, and up mountains to meet these people. From the coast in Knotts Island, to the mountains in Murphy, we shared time with strangers and new friends. Initially we were unsure of what we would discover. We found hardship, laughter, unbeatable hospitality, and a clear separation. These images tell the story of what we found, who we found, and what lies beneath.
Photos by Caitlin Penna and Taylor McDonald
