Amish
2022 - ongoing
"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:” - Exodus 20:4
How do you photograph those that do not allow themselves to be photographed? You turn to the unique objects and systems they use that define their existence within contemporary American society. The Amish, arguably the most conservative sect of practicing Christians with America today, are instantly recognizable by their dress, speech, modes of transportation, and off-grid relationship to electricity.
In a country designed and defined by the automobile industry, the choice to ride horse and buggy positions the Amish as rebellious, non-conforming, and very unique. So-called “peculiar people” (Titus 2:14), the Amish live a seemingly slower-paced life, centered around their church community. In avoiding private ownership of cars, they live in close proximity to other church members; they fear the automobile would break up the close-knit communities in which they reside.
Working alongside the elements, they use electricity sparingly, through batteries charged by solar power, or diesel generators. Without a connection to the “grid”, they will often choose hand powered appliances over electric options, in order to save their already scarce power resources. Battery powered lamps and essential oil diffusers, propane lighting systems and gas refrigerators are just a few of the rare objects and tools that set the Amish apart from the vast majority of those in contemporary society today. In a century defined by the rapid emergence of technology, the Amish are adapting to life in their own ways. These photographs built a portrait of Amish existence within the 21st century.
In a country designed and defined by the automobile industry, the choice to ride horse and buggy positions the Amish as rebellious, non-conforming, and very unique. So-called “peculiar people” (Titus 2:14), the Amish live a seemingly slower-paced life, centered around their church community. In avoiding private ownership of cars, they live in close proximity to other church members; they fear the automobile would break up the close-knit communities in which they reside.
Working alongside the elements, they use electricity sparingly, through batteries charged by solar power, or diesel generators. Without a connection to the “grid”, they will often choose hand powered appliances over electric options, in order to save their already scarce power resources. Battery powered lamps and essential oil diffusers, propane lighting systems and gas refrigerators are just a few of the rare objects and tools that set the Amish apart from the vast majority of those in contemporary society today. In a century defined by the rapid emergence of technology, the Amish are adapting to life in their own ways. These photographs built a portrait of Amish existence within the 21st century.