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The main conveyor. Photos by John Welsh. |
As journalists, it’s our job to tell the story – regardless of where it leads us. At the start of the Ashley’s Breaker project, we intended – I think – to chronicle the fate of the breaker by talking with people on both sides of the preservation issue.
Over the past three months — through interviews, research, conversations, and exploration — a somewhat unexpected theme began to emerge along side the historical story line.
From the decay of the once thriving coal industry emerges the inspiration to create something new — Art. Over and over, art continues to present itself in our research.
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Inside the breaker |
From the urban explorers who spend their weekends documenting the carnage of twisted steel; to the hyperrealism art students looking for their next subject; to the now-retired town barber who created a pencil wood sculpture after looking breaker outside of his window for 60 years; to EPCAMR’s initiative that converts acid mine drainage into iron oxide fine arts pigment; to the fascinating street art (and yes, some graffiti) created throughout the breaker and powerhouse; to the awe-inspiring architecture and engineering that set the Huber Breaker apart from other coal facilities of its time; to the way in which the breaker has inspired our crew to create this very project — the importance of art cannot, will not, be ignored.
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Street art inside the power house |
Of course, we know not everyone will agree. And, honestly, building a dual track story line that reconciles industrial decline with artistic inspiration is proving to be a challenge. Yet, the allure of art won’t be denied.
After all, as journalists, it’s our job to tell the story — regardless of where it leads us.
Alana Mauger
Latest posts by Alana Mauger (see all)
- Project Update – March 22, 2013
- The Paradox of Pollution and Art – October 1, 2012
- The Tour – September 3, 2012
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