“It’s as much a love letter as it is a formal complaint. “

This series has a wide but encapsulating perspective on how I view Texas. It’s as much a love letter as it is a formal complaint. Thinking about this work as a conversation, both within myself and between myself and the environment, has helped me work through my feelings about growing up in Texas. There is such a specific and unique culture present here, one that isn’t easily replicated and can’t be simply defined. Having grown up here, the pride of being a Texan comes solely from understanding and participating in that culture. Yet, there are more than a few moments in which I know that this is now all the world has to offer, and the shortcomings found here are worthy of the same criticism I would give anywhere else. 

I intended to give an honest view on Texas, or at least as honest as I could make it. I don’t know if I’ve objectively done that, but I do see a clear conclusion on my feelings about the topic. Working through this series, driving across the state, and capturing places I associate with core moments has been cathartic in a way I never anticipated. I found myself focusing more on aspects of Texas culture and relevant symbology, even if it was only relevant to myself or a smaller community. I feel fulfilled with this work. It isn’t a final determination on the presence or existence of Texas by any means. It is, however, my approach to the environmental storytelling and visual representation this state that has raised me has earned.