Lake.Sky.Vans. is an investigation into Chicago’s local visual vernacular at a specific time in history, 1998 - 2005. Lake.Sky.Vans. is 350+ photos that show how this city’s individuality is most profoundly realized through these three elements.
Vans prove to be the most transcendental of the three elements. This is because identity is not a passive experience for the van owner. Vans on the streets of Chicago make statements about class, climate, family, consumption, and economics. In this context, the word “Vans” is used as a metaphor for car culture and includes other vehicles specific to this Midwestern region and inherent in this climate and culture, including - large sedans (Grand Marquis etc.), modified scavenger trucks, station wagons, and Suburbans, generally circa 75-92.
In 2004, this project was featured on WBEZ Chicago, NPR. I was interviewed by Steve Edwards for the 848 Show and featured on the Hello Beautiful the Sunday Morning Art Show. Following the airings, I was contacted by listeners who wanted to tell me about a Van. Most people spoke about their own Van or their ‘old’ Van, a friend’s, or a van they pass on the way to work. Many expressed feeling validated in their love of Vans while others were brought to a new level in their conscious appreciation. This culminated in a solo show at the legendary heaven gallery in Chicago, Illinois in January 2005.
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