Rocstar

Rochester’s layered character shows in its rich history, diverse community, and resilient spirit. The city has long been built on perseverance and innovation—its industrial roots, cultural movements, and new ideas continue to shape its identity today. This rich history permeates everything, fostering a community that values hard work, creativity, and authenticity. Rochester also has a strong love for photography, from its role as the birthplace of Kodak to its ongoing artistic exploration. Here, photography isn’t just about images; it’s about capturing truth, telling stories, and preserving the many layers of the city’s unique character. This sense of resilience and depth drives my work—to reflect Rochester’s strength, history, and its ongoing love for honest, raw moments.

The spirit of resilience, grit, and honesty is evident in the show "Rocstar," a layered exploration of authenticity. At the center was a large wheatpaste wall, where posters created a textured, layered backdrop. The posters reflected the rough textures of the urban landscape, each telling its own story. Enlarged original tintypes, similar to Western portraits from the 1850s, showed textured surfaces and a timeless quality—images that represent Rochester’s layered character, resilience, and deep history. The exhibition also featured a site-specific setup of my portable wet plate darkroom and view camera, inviting viewers into the process and highlighting the craft, patience, and perseverance that are integral to the spirit of Rochester’s skate park community.

My tintype work and the skate park share a raw, gritty look, both reflecting the rough edges of city life. The skaters’ poses and weathered faces often resemble the figures in Billy the Kid tintypes of the 1850s—rugged portraits that convey both strength and vulnerability. I spent three years practicing the tintype process at this location, working closely with the skaters to capture their movements and expressions in real time. Like skateboarding—a sport that embraces falling and failing as part of the growth process—my work emphasizes the beauty of imperfection and the strength that comes from perseverance. I immersed myself in the skate park, a space that embodies falling forward, accepting failure as part of learning and progress.

Rochester’s skate park is a place of acceptance and diversity, welcoming people from all backgrounds, ages, and races. It’s a community built on camaraderie, breaking down barriers, and celebrating differences. "Rocstar" reflects Rochester’s unfiltered, layered spirit—embodying resilience, honesty, and strength, while highlighting the beauty of imperfection and the pride that keeps the community united.