100 Miles from Ground Zero – Roadside Politics Photographed After September 11th , 2001

Residing 100 miles west of ground zero, I felt the wave of reaction wash over me and I recorded part of it - hand lettered or hastily posted signs through which people could express how they felt and could comfort one another and comfort themselves. Rather than succumb to feeling completely helpless, these writers posted their brief thoughts. What was my purpose in recording and presenting these messages? There is much wringing of hands over the lost voice of the ordinary person, subsumed in a sea of more polished, or at least more orchestrated and more widely disseminated information and media. Part of my purpose is to celebrate that common voice, which seems very strong and clear in this instance. This photo essay is about public display - and yet it pertains to all of our private responses, as well.