Becoming Landscape is a haunting series from the historic gold mining town Bodie, California. It opens windows into the past and future as we witness history being folded into the arms of Mother Nature. Layered and moody Americana landscapes transport you to a time in history where hope was worth its weight in gold, hard work is what kept you alive.

At its peak, in 1879, there were up to 10,000 people living in this remote, subarctic corner of the Sierra Nevada’s. By 1920, the population dwindled to an estimated 120 residence and the mines officially closed in 1944. In 1961, the town was designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Now, one can only imagine the conversations at the kitchen tables, the smell of food and drink from the wood stove, the rough texture of linens and pillows, gleeful sounds of children at the piano, while the adults mined for gold and struggled to survive.

The sweet and humble surrender of buildings and objects in this series reminds us of the impermanence of life. We are from the earth and one day shall return to the earth. It goes to show if you leave a piece of land alone long enough, nature will tenderly reclaim her space.