Begun about a year ago, Decayed Richmond is a website dedicated to visual explorations of the abandoned history and architecture that can be found in the neglected corners of Richmond’s urban landscape. Having spent a significant amount of time exploring these forgotten urban spaces and documenting the fascinating and sometimes beautiful phenomena that they’ve found there, the anonymous crew of intrepid explorers behind Decayed Richmond have spent the last several months attempting to assemble a documentary that depicts the hidden, or simply ignored, spaces within this city, in which nature is constantly at work on its own urban reclamation project.
Recently, the documentary project has reached a turning point, and in order to complete their work, Decayed Richmond have discovered that they need more money to finish it than they have readily available. For this reason, they’ve recently started a campaign on Kickstarter to raise the funds necessary to complete the documentary. Once it’s finished, it will be released as a DVD on Sink/Swim Press, and you can secure a copy of that DVD for yourself with a pledge of $50 or more. Depending on the amount you pledge, there are all sorts of other goodies available, from bumper stickers and coffee mugs to Executive Producer credit on the film and even full-service wedding photography! However, if you’re not enough of a baller to afford those kinds of premiums, Decayed Richmond urge you to contribute any amount you can afford, accepting donations of as little as $1. If you’re as interested as we are in seeing a finished version of the film (and believe me, we’re very interested), you know that this is a worthy cause.
With work continuing apace on the Decayed Richmond documentary, I spoke with the group’s anonymous founder about his interest in urban decay, his collaborations with noted local fashion blog Dirty Richmond (which can be found here), and the complex cycles of blight and renewal that occur within cities such as RVA.
How did you initially become interested in the sorts of abandoned, decayed structures that you explore?
Growing up in Southside wasn’t exciting for a teenager, especially a sober teenager. There’s not much to do in Chester besides organized sports, and I was never very athletic. Boredom pushed me to seek out new things to occupy my time with.
I didn’t know what I was doing had a name. I spent my time walking down train tracks, and riding my bike around the area to find new things to shoot for my photo class. This led to a number of abandoned houses, warehouses, factories, etc. After doing this for several months, I was utterly captivated by half-demolished buildings and climbing onto rooftops.
Finding beauty in these decayed buildings and capturing that beauty in my images was always something that came easy to me. It’s such a profound thing to discover an abandoned structure that has been reclaimed by elements, and the community around it.
What are the elements you're most interested in capturing in your photographic documentations of urban decay?
I always try to capture the widest view of a scene the first time I enter it. If I have time I will capture images of smaller artifacts like paper documents, clothing, and the more interesting garbage. Images of graffiti, and other members of the team, are always something I try to leave with.
Tell us about your recent collaboration with Dirty Richmond. How did that come about? What were your artistic goals for this particular project?
I’ve known Brian since high school, and we’ve always shared a passion for photography. As far as the collaboration, it was just a random idea I had one day. I called Brian about it, and we both decided it needed to happen. Dirty and Decayed go hand in hand perfectly. Fashion against a decrepit building has always contrasted well. You can even see images of models in Fulton Hill Gas Works on the walls of Rumors.
photo by Brian McDaniel
How do you feel about the role of urban decay within the communities in which it exists? Do you support urban renewal projects in those communities? Why or why not?
Urban decay’s role is ultimately in the eye of the beholder. Some see these buildings as an eyesore, things that should be made into something new so they no longer have to look at them. Others may see these structures as free shelter from the rain and other elements, somewhere to live.
I personally see them as a work of art, created by man, recreated by nature, and curated by the world around it. To capture the beauty of this “art,” before it is demolished or renovated, is imperative in my eyes. Most people will not see what there is to see in these buildings while they are still standing.
Urban renewal projects are something I am indifferent about. Although it bums me out to see an interesting building turned into a boring apartment complex, I know that it is helping the community around it by providing housing and employment. I do believe the history of the structure should be considered during the restoration.
You're currently trying to make a documentary film about urban exploring in Richmond. What goals do you hope this film will accomplish that your previous work with still photography could not?
We don’t want any propaganda attached to this film or this project in general. The film will show interviews from explorers, graffiti artists, locals, and law enforcement. It will play devil’s advocate on the issue of the legality of urban exploration.
The only real goal we hope to accomplish is to create a quality film to show the people of Richmond. We want the rest of the city to see the scenes of beauty that they would probably never see otherwise.
We want the film to be completely Richmond inspired. You will hear music from Richmond bands and musicians. Like I said before, you will see interviews from local artists and explorers, as well as interviews from disgruntled locals and the homeless. You will see the explorers and artists in action.
What are your plans for production and financing of this documentary?
As far as financing, we have a Kickstarter set up to generate the rest of the funds we need to produce the film. Selling photographic prints from the website, as well as help from family and friends, has helped to get the project in motion, but we need more help to get the film fully underway.
A Decayed Richmond coffee table photo-book is in the works. It will be published and sold by Sink/Swim Press to help raise funds as well.
We are planning on having the film finished and cut by Fall 2012. Although it is still in the planning stages, we are crossing our fingers to have the premiere at the Byrd before VCU’s winter break.
Sink/Swim Press will publish a DVD including all the typical extras and deleted scenes. It will be sold at various local stores as well as online.
