In early 2021 I traveled through East Tennessee hoping to photograph rural landscapes along the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. I found myself drawn more to the people I met in the small towns that dotted Route 411 from Knoxville to Chattanooga.
The less-compressed existence of these small towns was a refreshing change from the urban squeeze I had felt over the past decade living in Nashville.
artist: Gabe Mc Curdy
Although I enjoyed the peaceful exploration of these rich landscapes, my chosen solitude felt lonely at times. Friendless, forlorn, outcast, I searched these small towns for momentary companions whom I might photograph, who could ease my isolation.
Not surprisingly, the photographs illustrate my experience of solitary wandering with sorrowful splendor.
editor : Ecaterina Rusu