The Exhibition
From the collection of familial mementos to the routine of sport through spirit, practices observed by the residents of a place carry significance and meaning in the context of their lives. As human existence intertwines with cultural practices, experiences, and the essence of daily life, rituals of routine are formed as the inhabitants of the environment we choose. From the intimate gestures of personal rituals to the grandeur of community lifestyle, the photographs in this joint exhibition illuminate the significance of these practices in the tapestry of human experience. As viewers wander through these photographic narratives, they are invited to contemplate the universal themes of belonging, tradition, and transformation. The images serve as windows into worlds both familiar and foreign, prompting reflection on the diverse ways in which humans navigate the intricacies of existence.
In Madisyn Welborn’s Saltwater Soul, a collective artistic documentation of the Southern East Coast surf community and atmosphere studies the people, perspective, and the shared environment that the world provides to surfers as its inhabitants. For Ashton Melton, Atlantic Avenue reflects on the experience of how not to feel lonely when we are lost and how to open our eyes to see home is all around us.
The Book
In an exploration of the Southern East Coast, join me in the therapy I found through surf culture exploration. From quaint local surf shops to the aspiring Sisters of the Sea, I’ve found a deep appreciation in the observation of those with saltwater in their soul.
“It began a routine for me of leaving class and heading to the beach to swim through the sunset, soaking more saltwater into my soul than I’ve ever been able to before. A bit off the island’s north shore, I began observing a different kind of surf community. I’d seen the extremes of Teahupo’o and the crashing swells of California, but there was this kind of mellow East Coast swag that I felt so instantly connected to. There’s a familial nature the East Coast of surfers embrace, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability amongst the waves.”