Visually defining a vast country like the United States is complicated. Region to region, state to state, town to town. Every area has its quirks, and no two places are the same. Photographer Cynthia Johnston and her series “Somewhere in the Middle” explores the idea of the road less traveled, following along the backroads of America. After thirty years of living on the East Coast, Johnston started a road trip, marking off 20,000 miles, exploring the ideas of who we are and how we live. A visual diary, these images ask more questions that provide answers. With humor, grace and quiet observation, Johnston shows us her vision.
State Highway Saviour
Carhenge
From her artist statement – Somewhere in the Middle
After graduation from university, I left the Midwest to pursue employment on the East Coast. With time, I adapted to the Northeast but maintained connections to the culture and people “back home”. Until the election of 2016, I thought I knew the Midwest, and thus, myself.
But “post-Trump”, I felt so out of touch with the place enshrined in my heart. Upon retrospection, I realized that it had been decades since I traveled extensively in the US. There were many states to which I had never ventured; several in which I was fearful to travel. I started to see the outlines of my personal bubble and identity dissonance.
During the last two years, I have wound my way through 20,000 miles of small towns dotting state highways and rural routes in the traditionally defined Midwestern states. The scenes presented in this work are viewed through the eyes of a prodigal daughter who is gradually re-discovering her former home; a place that is, by turns, filled with quiet beauty, sorrow and history.
We asked Cynthia about her experience in the Atelier program –
Big Bucks
My work in Atelier 31 is a continuation of the project, “Somewhere in the Middle”, which started in Atelier 28 (Spring 2018). The seed for my project was planted in the Atelier 28 artist conversation assignment where the student selects an artist whose work and style interests them. Walker Evans was the artist that inspired me to explore through landscapes, architecture and vernacular. His large body of work seemed to stem from a tireless sense of curiosity, two qualities to which I related. As the course progressed, an opportunity to take a much-longed-for road trip to the Midwest opened up. This region was of special interest to me since I hail from Wisconsin. Additionally, the Midwest region had played such a surprising role in the election of Donald Trump. I felt I had fallen out of touch with this region and now I had the time and tools to explore the region through photography. Through this work I strive to convey the sense of surprise I often encounter during my travels.
Plus One
This is perhaps the first photo my project that I felt did that. ” Plus One”
I also seek to turn regional stereotypes on their heads. Mostly, I am expressing my own surprise at what I find. I have continued the project, adding another 15,000 miles to my odometer. I hope to have a book by the time I am done exploring but we shall see.
I am really happy to have found the atelier course. The exercises, the critiques, and community of students has been invaluable in breaking down my fears about creating. I learned a lot about the creation process and don’t get nearly as discouraged as I once did. False starts will happen and are part of the process along with refinement and trying various approaches until one works.
I can’t say enough about Meg’s encouragement and acceptance of many styles and approaches to photography. Meg and Amy create a special environment that allows experimentation along with a high caliber of image-making.
About Cynthia Johnston –
Cynthia Johnston is a fine arts photographer with an interest in work which examines personal identity and cultural identification. Her two current projects are “Somewhere in the Middle” and “Altars”.
After working in biotechnology for twenty years, she left her job to live in Montréal where she found a creative home. Since moving back to New England, she has taken numerous courses at the New England School of Photography as well as the Griffin Museum of Photography.
Johnston’s work been exhibited internationally and is included in corporate and private collections in the US, Canada, Germany and Spain. She has recently exhibited work at the Center for Photographic Art, the Alexandria Museum of Art and the Griffin Museum of Photography.
Follow Cynthia’s creative travels –
on the web at cynthiajohnstonphotography
on Instagram @cynthiajohnstonphoto,
FB page: Cynthia Johnston Photography
