These images are from my continued James Diggs series, and relate to the origin of my interest of decay in the city of Worcester. Though much of my recent work has focused on material objects, I am also very interested in the process of human decay, its causes, and the environment it occurs in. Decay is far more complex than just a downward slope. There are hills and valleys in this process, and especially in the human case, there is a chance to directly hear the stories of people and chaos, and see their ups and downs. My relationship with James, has allowed me an opportunity to see this spectrum, and helped me see the ups and downs of people in a broader context, beyond what might be considered the decayed people of society. Decay exists in everyone’s lives whether we admit it or not.
I find little fault with your images of James Diggs. They are close-up and personal, as they should. However your reportage is lacking the part of the story that tells us about James' world, his wider world. But you have to validate this environment with James included. I assume you will continue with James throughout your thesis course.