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Born in a log cabin in Western Pennsylvania, I have been a photographer for a long time. Every once in a while I see things that others might find interesting. Thanks for looking.
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Hi Jon,
Thank you for your photographs of the asylum patients’ suitcases. I suspect that the reason you have some empty suitcases and some filled ones in the collection is because the patients were able to use whatever the contents of the empty suitcases, but anything that remains was probably never touched or seen again. As you may know, cosmetics, jewelry, glass or other hard or sharp objects are not allowed in past or present mental health facilities. Also, I understand where you’re coming from regarding the last names of the patients, but I think it is very important to maintain the anonymity of the patients and their families since they cannot directly consent to participating in your project.
Emily, you are absolutely correct about the cases. I only just confirmed this yesterday, but these people almost certainly had access to their things while at Willard. As far as the names, I have my opinion, and I totally respect yours. I need to keep reminding myself that I am just a photographer. I am very happy to facilitate a discussion about this issue, but am working hard to remain neutral. I really appreciate your input. Best, Jon
very awesome! i respect your work.
In regards to suitcase #4: just on a quick look over of the items, it would appear they are for use with leather. Whether it is leather working in general or, more specifically, the decorative carving of leather, it is hard to say.
In addition, the “tweezers” with the ivory top that you point out are calipers, used to make even edge lines, transfer measurements without using a ruler or scribing a circle.
I’m sorry, that would be case #6 for “Maude K”. My mistake.
Thank you. These are so evocative. I, too, am interested in things left behind, indications of events, processes. Very beautiful.
I find these photographs to be both beautiful and fascinating. I looked at case #6 and thought that perhaps the tools were used for printmaking, more specifically, linoleum block cutting. That may also explain the presence of the inks but they could also be attributed to leather work that Dan suggested. I agree that the “tweezers” are actually a caliper which is used to transfer measurements (and/or design) from one item to another.
What a wonderful project. I love that you are acting as a caretaker for these forgotten items. It struck me as I was looking at these that I really craved some visual cataloging of the items in the suitcases, some standard format for displaying them that you repeat for each set of items. Perhaps you could lay out the entire collection, hang the clothes on hangers from nails on the wall, arrange them so that the viewer can make sense of them all and it reads like a complete collection, all accounted for. As it is I spend time trying to decipher what the individual items are, and I think the unsorted pile might not have as much visual punch as it could have. If it were all catalogued, it would be easy to see at a glance how small or messy or esoteric it was; it would add up to so much more, it would at a glance let you see the sum of what is left of this person’s life; it would have that much more impact.
Also, and obviously this is just my opinion, you might try lighting these less harshly. Of course I don’t know what the limitations of your set-up are, but with more and slightly softer light sources, you could keep the diagnostic museum quality of these images but add a depth of feeling, like the interior of one of Cornell’s boxes. (Ok, maybe not THAT much feeling.)
I eagerly look forward to seeing your next discoveries in these cases. Thanks for this good work…
By who and when were the cases wrapped?
They were wrapped and catalogued by the New York State Museum. See earlier posts on this blog for the history. Jon
Hi Jon, thank you for all of your wonderful posts. You are on our top favorite 15 blogs list here: http://peachfarmstudio.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/versatile-blogger-award/ Thank you!
By the way, we hope you don’t mind: http://peachfarmstudio.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/wrapping-up-projects-literally/
hi jon! i adore the suitcase photos and thought i would ask you some camera specs…i am looking at my first digital slr, thinking a canon t3i with the es 18-135mm lens to start rather than the kit lens (18-55mm, lower quality kit lens) i am sure i will need to get more lenses in the future, but i want something that will allow me to shoot in natural light, get great detal on portraits, kitty photos, and my product photos (mainly knitwear and fine art) any thoughts? p.s. i’m from pgh, are you really from western pa? where from?
thanks!
natasha fialkov
http://www.luxe.etsy.com
http://www.luxefibre.com
Natasha, thanks for your comment and question. Most of the kit lenses on entry lever dslrs are ok but fall behind in one key area. They don’t allow much light in, and shooting in natural light indoors can mean very slow shutter speeds. One option would be to look at some of the newer micro fourthirds cameras like the Panasonic G3. It is much smaller than the canon and the image quality is amazing. Most of my posts here (except for the suitcases) are shot with a Panasonic GF1. The zooms are still on the slower side (f 3.5-4.5) but are lighter and easier to hand hold. Just a thought. I appreciate how difficult it is to fork over lots of $ on something that is so unknown. What I advise everyone about cameras is to go to a shop and physically hold several models and see which one feels best in your hands and seems the most user-friendly. / And I am from Meadville, PA and went to high school just east of Pittsburgh. One of my favorite cities.
Hi Jon, This is just a little update to let you know we’ve completed printing a letterpress broadside of the poem “Signs” related to your Willard Suitcases project. Here’s the related post: http://peachfarmstudio.wordpress.com/2012/02/25/final-peek-1-signs-a-poetry-broadside/ Oh, yes, and good luck with working out a New York book publishing deal!
Thanks so much. It looks beautiful. Jon
Couldn’t sleep found you in a “happiness is” E-mail. Thank you for a serene hour of looking at these lovely photos
Thanks so much Charlotte, your comment made my day. jon
Jon when were the suitcases wrapped? Recently or when the hospital closed? What do they plan on doing with the suitcases?