My grandparents farm is well known for being home to large amounts of junk that make no sense (particularly in relation to rural farm life in appalachia). My boyfriend and I first found the fencing mask several months ago and I snapped a picture of him immediately. However, I’ve always wanted to use it in a series and with my Large Format Photography class I got the chance. The sandblasting helmet was also discovered on the farm, rotting in an abandoned shed for who knows how long. The goggles belong to the model’s husband who is currently serving in Iraq (and probably needs them) 
. April, the model, also drew one of the masks on herself with makeup and I only regret that we somehow knocked the camera and lost focus. I think the lack of clothing in most shots helps to generalize the images so that they are not costume-like, and the focus remains on the masks themselves, their many uses and interpretations.
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- Today I can be anyone I want.
