Demise of northern NH Mills

swifteye

The journey begins: I am beginning research on the fall out of the Paper and Pulp Mill Industry's demise North of the White Mountains. The social, economic, and environmental impact and then what will fill the void (or not?). Black and White photographic documentary. Ambitious and scary...but I must try. Drove up to Groveton yesterday for a visual reconnaissance...very depressing.

swifteye

swifteye wrote: »

The journey begins: I am beginning research on the fall out of the Paper and Pulp Mill Industry's demise North of the White Mountains. The social, economic, and environmental impact and then what will fill the void (or not?). Black and White photographic documentary. Ambitious and scary...but I must try. Drove up to Groveton yesterday for a visual reconnaissance...very depressing.

#2
I will post more as this project progresses.

bdcolen

Can't wait to see more.

lizzard_nyc

bdcolen wrote: »

Can't wait to see more.

Me too.
So far I like that you captured the emptiness of the place, but I do want to see more.

Nyarthlopic

::salivating for more::

I love urban decay pics!

swifteye

NH North Country Economy
There is a proposal to build a huge transmission line through Northern New Hampshire. This will be a scar across the landscape running from Hydro dams in Northern Quebec all the way into Southern New England. Each of the towers will be about 90' to 135' tall. The local communities are strongly opposed to this project. My project is now expanding beyond the impact of the closing of the mills but also examining the overall North Country Economy. I spent a day photography signs installed along Route 3 that run deep into northern NH to the Canadian border.

Sign 1


Sign 2


Sign 3

Wicked_Dark

Excellent start. I'm a NH resident, but far, far to the south and rarely get up that way. I can't imagine the contradictory emotions those folks must suffer, wanting economic growth or at least stability, but those power transmission lines will be right awful.

jpope42

Great idea, I'm looking forward to seeing this tory progress. I think this is a really good idea to document the way a changing economy impacts a wider area than a single community.

black mamba

As usual, I like what you've shown so far. My only concern is that the scope of your ambitions in this project may turn out to be too broad. I preferred the more focused approach you initially planned to employ. Embarking on the larger documentary effort you now favor could lead to a dilution of concentrated attention necessary to tell a real forceful and impacting story.

I have no doubt that the images you record will be outstanding.....and meaningful. As with any game plan, your intentions at the beginning often morph into another reality at the finish. In any event, I'm anxious to see what evolves in your project.

Tom

swifteye

black mamba wrote: »

As usual, I like what you've shown so far. My only concern is that the scope of your ambitions in this project may turn out to be too broad. I preferred the more focused approach you initially planned to employ. Embarking on the larger documentary effort you now favor could lead to a dilution of concentrated attention necessary to tell a real forceful and impacting story.

I have no doubt that the images you record will be outstanding.....and meaningful. As with any game plan, your intentions at the beginning often morph into another reality at the finish. In any event, I'm anxious to see what evolves in your project.

Tom

It is always a tough task within the process. I do need to sit down and define my mission statement. ...And I do agree with you about being mindful of going too broad.

Yet, I must not be constrained by a strict structure. Things evolve, as you say, and I need to always be ready to flow with arising opportunities. I envision this to be a long process. Many Chapters- a passage from old to new and a larger regions adaptation. Primarily I am interested in the impact on the people who are committed to living here regardless of economy. My current crux is putting old projects to bed and creating the time and space to engage in the process. My foot is half in at the moment. Time and money!

Wicked_Dark and jpope42: Thank you for the encouragement and support.

swifteye

There is a lone signs in support of the transmission lines. It is an interesting struggle between our dependance on oil versus renewable energy sources. Are we wiling to sacrifice our scenic landscapes to gain energy independence? Do rural populations and communities give up their land to serve the greater good (to urban and densely populated areas)? The people here do not get any direct benefit of the energy transported through their land.
They face eminent domain land seizure, devalued property, and a scarred landscape. Tourism has become the dominant economic engine since the demise of the mills. The land has always been what people up here have always depended upon to reap their living from.

Sign 4


Sign 5

Juano

swifteye wrote: »

#2
I will post more as this project progresses.

I'm a fan already!! great shots.

michswiss

I'm not sure I'd even attempt to put your narrative into words yet. Keep collecting the images and go where you think you need to and where you learn you have to. I think you'll reach a point that you might stop and say; "Hmm, I'm seeing something emerging". There will be gaps, but once the story starts to show itself you can go back and fill them much more intentionally.

swifteye

michswiss wrote: »

I'm not sure I'd even attempt to put your narrative into words yet. Keep collecting the images and go where you think you need to and where you learn you have to. I think you'll reach a point that you might stop and say; "Hmm, I'm seeing something emerging". There will be gaps, but once the story starts to show itself you can go back and fill them much more intentionally.

Man, I like your thinking! I have a good sense where I need to go. I have very good contacts that will help me find the deeper cuts.