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RIDE THE LIGHTNING: RECONSTRUCTING APPALACHIA (2025)
Reproduction of original collage
Printed locally in Wheeling, WV
Original collage created using upcycled magazine pages
This collage expresses my hope for the future of Appalachia. The title references the Metallica song about an innocent man dying by electric chair, while “reconstructing Appalachia” represents our community rebuilding after the many tragedies we’ve faced. As a whole, this title and collage represent how the region has suffered from poverty, the opioid epidemic, and health crises (among so many other tragedies) and how as a community we can fight for ourselves. The eye and lightning bolt, looming above the WV State Capitol building’s gold dome, are the central focus, symbolizing the Appalachian people - fearless, resilient, and always observing as one. The lightning bolt, as part of the eye, strikes the Capitol as a reminder of who truly holds the power: the Appalachian people.
RIDE THE LIGHTNING: RECONSTRUCTING APPALACHIA (2025)
Reproduction of original collage
Printed locally in Wheeling, WV
Original collage created using upcycled magazine pages
This collage expresses my hope for the future of Appalachia. The title references the Metallica song about an innocent man dying by electric chair, while “reconstructing Appalachia” represents our community rebuilding after the many tragedies we’ve faced. As a whole, this title and collage represent how the region has suffered from poverty, the opioid epidemic, and health crises (among so many other tragedies) and how as a community we can fight for ourselves. The eye and lightning bolt, looming above the WV State Capitol building’s gold dome, are the central focus, symbolizing the Appalachian people - fearless, resilient, and always observing as one. The lightning bolt, as part of the eye, strikes the Capitol as a reminder of who truly holds the power: the Appalachian people.