Over the last year, I have focused on climbing more than ever before. Taking trips from Joshua Tree to the Tetons to the Buttermilks to Yosemite. Throughout that time, I have been able to meet tons of people who've showed me what dedication to a craft truly looks like. For the most part, climbing is a selfish pursuit, but a pursuit that is totally meaningless. Quite honestly, nobody cares who gets to the top of a boulder, crack, mountain. Sure, we may highlight the story within a community, but there really isn't much to be said about playing on rocks.
Now, don't get me wrong, climbing is amazing and I truly think everyone should try it. Also, the lifestyle is admirable to me. For those who "give up their lives" to pursue something they care about are truly inspiring and motivate me, behind the lens, to push my craft and perfect my meaningless pursuit. Hell, it looks like we all are in the pursuit of meaningless things 😂
Please note, this is not meant to be pessimistic. I actually love the fact and find comfort in reassuring myself that taking photographs is meaningless in the moment, just like climbing a rock. However, it is what you do once the rock is climbed, or the photograph is taken, when meaning comes into play.
As my archive continues to grow, I am currently working through the idea/narrative I have built to understand where and what meaning can be found in these images. Where that will go, I am unsure. However, I am happy to see where that can go!