CASCADES OF TIME
“Cascades of Time” is a visual exploration that bridges the past and present, documenting the transformations that both nature and human intervention have wrought upon waterfalls across our state. In this study I juxtapose vintage photographs, paintings, and sketches with modern digital photographs, capturing the evolution of these natural wonders and our relationship with them over time.
Waterfalls, throughout history, have symbolized purity, resilience,and the unyielding forces of nature. However, the effects of human activity on these majestic cascades are both awe-inspiring and, at times, deeply concerning.
In this body of work, I have researched and photographed waterfalls all over New York state to document the natural changes, and those made by civilization. Some are still being used by industry, some have been abandoned to nature, and some waterfalls no longer exist because electric companies have dammed them up to feed their power generators. A select few have been cleansed of their industrial past and turned into parks, welcoming visitors from around the world.
This study reminds us that the forces of nature, including waterfalls, are not impervious to human activity. As stewards of our planet, we must acknowledge the delicate harmony between our desire for progress and our obligation to protect and preserve these natural wonders. Humans have the extraordinary capacity to dramatically change our natural environment. We can restore it, we can learn to exist within it, or we can continue to abuse and neglect it. How will our children and their children, look back at how we’ve change the environment?
Ausable Chasm
Rainbow Falls
Table Rock
Cohoes Falls
Enfield Gorge
Lower Falls
Lucifer Falls
Middle Falls
