The things we own represent who we are, and when we inevitably leave them behind, they will carry on to tell our stories. Estate sales are spaces that carry these stories, allowing us to discover and interpret them. Through my photographs, I convey the feelings of loss and nostalgia present at estate sales. The collections of movies, clothing, toys, dishes, and much more throughout the homes give an idea of who the people behind the items were. 

The crowded collection of ties hanging on the towel rack of a bathroom tells us of the unknown office employee. The list written in February of 2005 that was left on the side table tells us of the invisible collector of 237 records. The emptied closet with only some trench coats and old suitcases tells us of the mysterious traveler. Each photograph is like a portrait of a person that is no longer there. 

I chose to shoot this series using black and white film. Many of the homes throughout the series are a reminder of a time when film was the widespread form of photography. The medium encapsulates the feeling of the old and left behind items in my photographs. The process of using film also allows me to spend more time with these people’s stories, from taking the initial photograph to making the final print.

This exhibition pushes us to think about our belongings, what they say about us, and what will happen to them when we abandon them. My goal through this series is for everyone to be able to find a photo that they can directly relate to and develop a deeper relationship with. My photographs come together to tell the individual and collective stories of these unknown people, allowing us to make connections with people we have never met.