the east village/cedar village statement

While traveling, I am often stopped in my tracks to curiously take a closer look at rapid changes in the physical landscape. These changes include natural decay or the use of machinery to alter a terrain on a massive scale. I take note of landscapes, manmade structures, inhabitants, and communities. The histories of these as well as people's relationships to them are important, especially in light of their forthcoming dissolution.

An area in East Lansing, Michigan, bordered by the Red Cedar River, Hagadorn Street, Grand River Avenue, and Bogue Street is on the verge of changing. Some call this the "Cedar Village," others call it the "East Village". Many graduate and undergraduate students of the nearby Michigan State University (MSU) inhabit it. Community members can buy food, flowers, vehicle services, convenience store items and do their banking within the "Cedar Village".

The "East Village" is a new community in the works. In 2006, the City of East Lansing, along with MSU students and professionals, adopted the plans for this new community. Permits are currently being acquired and demolition of the "Cedar Village" will begin in 2009, making way for new opportunity, mixed use, and more river access.

As a way of documenting what I have observed, I photograph the site. I manipulate the photographs in my prints and drawings, but leave photographic evidence to give a sense of reality. I also invite the local community to participate in gathering historical and current information. With this archive, I present what changes are taking place to create visual histories of the land and visualize possible futures of that environment. Drawing or printing etchings over the surface of manipulated photographs makes the physical changes that are in progress made obvious.

Stories and opinions from those who live, work, or are patrons of the area are essential. I have listened to their stories while sipping coffee and sitting at their kitchen tables or chatting with them in their office. I interview both new and established residents, business owners, employees, and city officers. It is through this that the images speak from the community of which they portray. Soft voices become louder when they are shared with a larger community.

My goal in generating this work is to encourage dialog about redevelopment. The sharing of ideas and opinions leads to the development of plans that fit the needs of the entire community. The visual histories I create help cultivate questions and encourage thoughts about changing communities and our relationships with land and the communities that help define ourselves, our stories, and history.