FRANK RELLE

UNTIL THE WATER

“My photographic exploration of the Louisiana landscape began at an early age. Staring out the window of my mom’s 1984 Mercury station wagon, my siblings and I used to play ‘I spy’. My photographic work is the continuation of those childhood games. Imbued with appreciative observation and reflective questions about the built and natural landscape of Louisiana, the distinctive beauty of our cypress-lined lakes and flat vistas drove me to explore and understand our geography and history.

 In my series Until the Water, I create sublime and beautiful images while also looking to reflect on the conflicts and questions evident in our fragile coastal community. People’s concern for the environment is born of a natural love of water, trees, and animals; these are, after all, essential to our survival. We need thoughtful eyes if we are to balance our increasingly technological world with the natural world–creating the social and political will to collectively care for our communities and natural resources. I hope that the photographs blend with your own passionate, youthful memories and encourage you to appreciate and thoughtfully consider our Louisiana.”