Devil Seeds

The photographs of Devil Seeds were made in a time of potentially debilitating sadness.

Life was painful and, for the first time in my life, I understood not wanting to work every second of the day. I guess that’s what the gravity of depression must feel like. But I resisted not working. Instead, I took my view camera on long walks from my house. The colder seasons, where I live, allow us to see—and more easily access—much of the land (especially if you don’t mind trespassing.) So I walked out of my front door, out of my self, on expeditions to find analogies for my inner life; to establish connections from my inner turmoil to the outer world. This act is the lifeline that keeps photographers sane. The pictures were dark and earthy, and they were framed in carved, lacquered wood to resemble the invasive water chestnuts that cover our beaches around here. People call them “Devil Seeds.”