Americana Now

“My Americana” is a long-term photography essay. Its goal: create a contemporary view of the people, places or happenings which depicts The United States of America. What defines this country? Patriotism, free speech, and choices of religious practices all are undercurrents in this essay. Patronite’s curiosity is captivated by daily happenings observed on streets. A record of the political process is vital, with the chasm of opposing doctrine bordering on fanaticism, a visual documentation on the issue will be vitally important to the final collection. At the beginning of 2020, the necessity to address more substantial social issues arose. Now, the worldwide COVID- 19 pandemic has been included in this reportage. This project was started in 2015, continues in today, and is largely self-funded. This new set of goals for the essay brings more journalistic issues, personal human themes which in turn will lead to important imagery and contemporarily significant final product. City streets and National monuments provide a wealth of stimulating subject matter. The first years of producing “My Americana” Patronite has documented annual celebrations, workers, people exploring landmarks or aftermaths of natural disasters. The project has morphed into a more rounded view of what is happening currently. A nation with many segments, interconnected, yet worlds apart.