Energy Afterlives

Marie-Claire - Cyanotypes

My cyanotype comprises three layers of templates compressed on each other. The pathways behind the Anthracite Coal Mine represent coal's literal and figurative connections with different aspects of industry and life. One such example is the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and how the Russian occupation of Donbas affected the culture of the coal-mining community. The sign on top of the coal mine, reading "You are burning Old Company's Lehigh premium anthracite, It lasts longer!" represents a sense of pride within this community of Pennsylvania, who wear the coal identity like a badge. As you get closer and closer to the coal site itself, this sense of pride is felt throughout all the signs you see on your way there. Despite coal being the energy source with the highest carbon emissions, these people feel proud of their coal mining history and coal use. Finally, the "room where it happens," so to speak, the coal mine itself. Not only an additional source of pride for people living nearby, but the coal mine itself is also a mosaic of Christian history, coal mining culture, the history of healthcare, a reflection into coal mining technology, and a geological exploration. 

This is a cyanotype of Jose's cats. I like cats. 

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