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Holt Webb's "Vanishing America" Visits Athens

by Rosanna Cruz
04/19/2009

In an attempt to capture America’s disappearing natural beauty, Holt Webb travels the country documenting what he states are the unique aspects of our culture that are in danger of vanishing.

In a speech given Sunday, February 8, at the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art, Webb described his project, “Vanishing America,” and his mission in traveling the country taking pictures.

“I take pictures of things documenting what might be gone before our children grow up,” said Webb.

The “Vanishing America” project began as Webb noticed some of his favorite places being torn down for newer structures. Having grown up camping and fishing in the country, Webb was distraught to see his childhood memories being demolished by bulldozers.

“I want people to see what’s left before it all turns into a shopping mall,” said Webb.

In a self-proclaimed journey of “winging-it,” Webb’s journey began in 2007 and will span five years as he travels the country photographing man’s encroachment on nature. Avoiding interstates, he travels on back roads in a vegetable oil and solar-powered RV lovingly named BABS for “Big A-- Bus.”

Webb attempts to adversely affect the environment as little as possible but struggles to find enough sponsors and free vegetable oil to keep his mission going. He emphasizes the importance of conservation, however, and the fact that fossil fuels will not last forever. Once they are gone, they are gone forever.

“I don’t want to come across as a tree-hugger. We’re humans; we need our amenities but we have to have a method of getting around before fossil fuels run out,” said Webb.

Ryan French, 21, an international affairs major and senior at the University of Georgia, believes it is important to look for renewable sources of energy.

“The problem is that our level of consumption is too great for the finite resources in the world. I think it’s important for individuals to do what they can to help the environment,” said French.

Preservation of the environment is a key goal for “Vanishing America,” and Webb states we do not need to reinvent the wheel. People are discovering that old technologies can be very efficient without harmfully affecting the environment.

Nikos Kavoori, 18, a Cedar Shoals High School senior, said he recycles and enjoys eco-friendly outdoor activities.

“I want to be an urban design landscape architect so I take pictures of abandoned buildings and try to be mildly eco-friendly,” said Kavoori.

A total of 32 people attended the speech to view Webb’s pictorial journey across the country. A group of teenagers attended as part of the Cedar Shoals Art Program as well as many adults who are interested in photography.

Webb will continue touring the country and educating people about our dying culture and ecosystems.

“It’s not just somebody else’s problem. Look around you and notice what’s disappearing,” said Webb.