This series was inspired by friends who have committed themselves to the pursuit of new and continuation of old relationships, the challenge and joy of living together in very close proximity, and the virtue of hospitality, warmth, and friendship.
These people live in Martin House, Eastern Mennonite University's only on-campus community house, and something of an anomaly when it comes to living situations. The house has a long history at EMU, and an identity that changes as rapidly as its residents. Presently I have a strong connection to this house, as many of my close friends live there, and I felt challenged to capture it, at least bits of it, so that many could see and consider, others, see and remember.
I have attempted to capture the beauty of the house and its residents, while also portraying the sense of closeness, both physically and emotionally, that permeates the Martin House environment. As an outsider, I also feel a sense of mystery surrounding this close community, which I have tried to incorporate through the use of shadow and framing on several images.
Thankfully, last summer's repainting of the interior welcomed bright, vibrant reds and yellows with which to complement my subjects' beautiful features, a fact which made my job far easier and more enjoyable than it very well could have been. Thank you also of course to all the Martin House residents who put up with me and my camera, and, as far as I could tell, acted naturally despite the threat of documentation. Lastly, thank you to Steve Johnson for direction, instruction, and the generous lendings of his lens.
Jason Hostetter
posted by Jason at 11:40 PM
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