It seems fitting this 4th of July to take a look back at some of the photos from a series called "Americana". This series spanned a time from the mid-nineties to about 2006, and locations in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. It harkens back to a rural America not yet part of the great consumerism that spawned sprawling shopping malls and cheap, mass-produced, throw-away items. Its what most people think of when they hear the word "Heartland", and it is quickly vanishing. Almost overnight, it is being replaced by Bed Bath and Beyonds, Barnes and Nobles, Walmarts, and the ubiquitous development of MacMansions. It makes me feel sad for the displaced wildlife and the countryside in general. And, isn't this where all our food was being grown? I hope they have that part worked out.
