Karen Sullivan

My work focuses on issues of the landscape of the San Gabriel Valley and my history in this area. I keep struggling with the need to express through my images the experience of witnessing profound change. My images seem benign.
 
My Great Grandfather’s orange grove was purchased in 1914. This brought my ancestors out in the winter months from the cold climate of Wyoming. My Mother moved to California in 1953. I have lived here most of my life.
 
Stories and family history revolve around the ranches and agricultural activity in both regions. I have taken these images from family photo albums, which show my ancestors standing in the groves. My childhood was spent surrounded by the cycle of oranges growing and being harvested. I lived a semi-rural life, within the influence of the urban excitement of Los Angeles.
 
The poem by Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder, addresses the paradox of loss. I am powerless to influence events, and can only be a witness to change.
 
I have included a Google earth image that is specifically the same location as the images of my ancestors standing in the orange grove. What exists on that site now are houses and the 210 freeway. The aerial image of Mountain Ave, and the road sign photographs are from a collection by Harold Barnes, for which I am grateful for their use.

<back>