Sleeping Elvis, Kissimmee, Florida
Battle Royale, Medieval Times, Kissimmee, Florida
Cooter's Last Stand, Luray, Virginia
Joust, Crownsville, Maryland
Phat Rabbitz 21-and-under Dance Club, Cumberland, Maryland
Barbies, Barbie Convention, Washington, DC
Under the Dinosaur's Gaze, London, Kentucky
Waffle House, Kissimee, Florida
Tourists, Orlando, Florida
Barbie, Barbie Convention, Washington, DC
Babies, Barbie Convention, Washington, DC
Pantyhose, Barbie Convention, Washington, DC
Jean Jacket, Barbie Convention, Washington, DC
Closed Due to Tummyache, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Blops Park, New Years Eve, Jessup, Maryland
Blops Park, New Years Eve, Jessup, Maryland
Blops Park, New Years Eve, Jessup, Maryland
Blops Park, New Years Eve, Jessup, Maryland
The Unfortunate Result of the Demise of the Public Phone Booth, Metropolis, Illinois
Historical Reenactors, Oktoberfest, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Buffet, Ozfest, Chittenango, New York
Richard Petty, The Richard Petty Experience, Buena Vista, Florida
Midway, London, Kentucky
Al Capone's Dinner Theater, Kissimee, Florida
Time-Out, Old Towne, Kissimee, Florida
AMERICAN IDLE (2004-2009)
The convenience of modern living has allowed us to enjoy unprecedented amounts of leisure time and methods through which to spend that time. American Idle explores our modern preference for the marketed moment, the pleasure purveyed.
It began with a set of brochures found in the lobby of aGainesville, Florida motel. “Visit Jerusalem in Orlando!” was the unlikely announcement on the Holyland Experience’s handout. “Step back in time to the dawn of the Middle Ages” offered the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. “Be Petty” was the succinct tagline for NASCAR driver Richard Petty’s Driving Experience. The exchange of cash for the opportunity to enjoy free time well spent.
I started the project with those venues, and by continuing to photograph festivals, celebrations, and events I seek to unravel our modern malaise, one amusement at a time. In the hustle of our lives, leisure time can be as stressful as work. But it does prevent us reflection, from finding a moment’s contemplation. The bright lights of the fair can be a darker siren’s call. We are lost,wandering through an interminable off-season. The festival is ongoing, but the party is over.