Photography allows me to show others how I perceive the world, while at the same time reminding me that everyone sees the world differently. Although photography has taken me to many different countries and has allowed me to meet and connect with numerous people, I often find that it reveals my own backyard in greater detail than I could have ever imagined and connect deeper with people closest to me. I always attempt to create visually stimulating pieces of art that inspire, educate, and impact my audience. My projects often explore areas where I lack knowledge. The Preservation of Generations Project is no exception. My interest in the stories of US veterans is sparked by my lack of knowledge on modern wars, and the frustration with how little I was taught about US wars in my schooling.
Through their service to the United States, veterans have played a large part in shaping our country. They are living examples of our nation’s history, and The Preservation of Generations Project is a way to document and conserve the stories of these brave individuals. Even though the veterans still alive today have a multitude of experiences that span from World War II up to the current war, many of them have never shared their military experiences or stories with anyone.
I let my subjects speak for themselves through both interviews and my photographs. I have found that many veterans have stayed silent because they haven’t been presented with an opportunity to share their stories in a meaningful way. Of the veterans I have interviewed so far, all of them were enthusiastic to be a part of the project. Even though I use simple questions to help stimulate conversation, I have found the veterans’ stories took off on their own and have taken the spotlight. I simply provided a stage and an audience.
The photographs take on a similar story; they simply capture what is already there. They are created in a way utilizing black and white imagery, along with a simple black background to clearly capture the veterans’ age, experiences, and wisdom. The photographs put a face with each individual’s inimitable story.
At a time when older veterans, especially those of the WWII era, are passing away, a project aimed towards preserving their stories and experiences is essential. In conjunction with the Veteran’s History Project, a project created by the Library of Congress aimed to record the stories of veterans, the Preservation of Generations Project attempts to preserve each individual’s unique stories, in the form of a book, in hope that it will help educate not only myself and other Americans, but generations to come.
