Thursday, October 30, 2008

Standing at the Crossroads, The Photography of Marion Post Wolcott

Photograph of a crossroads store, bar, "juke joint," and gas station located in the cotton plantation area of Melrose, Louisiana.

Taken in 1940 by Marion Post Wolcott


Marion Post Wolcott was a FSA documentary photographer who used her vision and photographic skills to showcase and educate the American public on the plight of those most affected by the Great Depression.






Marion bravely traveled alone through New England, Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi


in order to show the vast differences between social and economic classes of the haves...











and the have-nots...








She turned her lens towards all that she encountered and exposed the reality of America.












And through her artist and humanitarian commitment, she made a difference by helping to document over a three and a half year period the benefits of federal subsidies, helping to gain support for FDR's New Deal policies and projects, ushering in the promise of hope, a helping hand up and the opportunity for a better way of life.







Marion Post Wolcott


was a true American hero.



I know that we are all weary from the this long political road we have all been traveling lately. But now we are at those proverbial crossroads, and each of us must make a decision as to which way we will go. One way promises hope, and the other way promises to save us from all that we should fear. I choose to chance it and take the path that points towards hope. I do this because I will always choose hope over fear. Because faith is stronger then fear. Because fear is used to control people, whereas hope is used to inspire people. Which way will you go? Each of us must decide which path we choose, and whichever one you decided to take, I wish you well.

"We need to teach the next generation of children
from Day One that they are responsible for their
lives. Mankind's greatest gift, also its greatest
curse, is that we have free choice. We can make
our choices built from love or from fear."

- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

17 comments:

kelly said...

Wonderful tribute.
Lovely post.
Fantastic message.

Another perfectly crafted piece of art from the talented Miss BooDilly.

Keep it up, lady!

JT said...

Wow, really great photos showing the class disparity in America. If only someone did a photo essay like that today...

T.Allen said...

Beautiful and touching. I'm really enjoying your political posts-perhaps, next election, the candidates should debate via visual art medium of their choosing. I'd certainly be more inclined to tune in.

Scott Bulger Photography said...

"Migrant Mother" is a photograph by Dorothea Lange.

High Desert Diva said...

Victoria,

This is an excellent post.

I chose hope.

Victoria said...

Scott, you are absolutely correct, my apologies. I had thought about combining the two woman's images and stories for this post, but ultimately decided to focus on Marion. After sorting through numerous photographs, It was getting rather late and by the time I finished this post, I was rather tired, thus I accidently forgot to remove this most important and famous image, taken of course by Ms. Lange.

I have since removed it, and again, thanks you for catching my mistake!

Debra said...

Great post!!! Love the photos

please sir said...

I can't decide my favorite because they are all so wonderful in a unique way - the colors, the subjects - amazing!

Stela said...

this is an amazing post!

Bonbon Oiseau said...

excellent post...thank you for a wonderful tribute and message!

Hey Harriet said...

Love the work of Marion Post Wolcott. Thanks so much for introducing her to me :)

Yes! Hope all the way!

Hope kicks the butt of fear!

Bascom Hogue said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

My astrologer just sent this- this exert I think relates to what you mean:

From Libra's forecast for Nov- "Your best strategy this month is to spread the cheer, not the fear! The more you are willing to do this, the more you will have access to a powerful force of creative drive which can propel you and yours into a future shimmering with hope and positive achievements!"

Victoria said...

Love it!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos! Have you ever seen Eudora Welty's photography? I think you would like it very much.

You know, I grew up in the Mississippi Delta, and some of those pictures, with a change of cars and clothing, could just as easily have been taken today. I'll be thinking about that when I go vote tomorrow.

Amy C said...

gorgeous selection - thanks for sharing

mayaluna said...

Victoria,
I so appreciate the time and energy you put into sharing this inspiring and moving post about such an amazing woman... and what a thoughtful and wonderful woman you are!