After a tumultuous year filled with isolation and conflict, I went in search of the innocence and optimism that I’ve always associated with our country, even as we hold different views, beliefs or backgrounds. I found signs of this in the joy and creativity of yards adorned with unique decorations. The many different perspectives on what constitutes beauty or humor continue to intrigue me and draw me to a door to find out who lives or works there. Rarely have the residents turned down my request for a quick portrait, and they stand with dignity and pride, humor or mystery, near a fictional world created for us to enjoy.

My intention was to avoid judgment. Rather I felt the need to search for a connection to people who share my country, and regardless of beliefs, views or background chose to celebrate life during a pandemic and beyond. This work was inspired by a desire to renew my own hopes and optimism for our country by looking beyond the headlines and finding a positive commonality. It is also my hope that these photographs can perhaps help us all to realize that we can find connections even during times that seem to be driving us apart.

That we can find ways to appreciate one another even if it’s something as simple as a lawn decoration.