The photographs displayed here represent the past six years of exploring “sacred grounds” in the cemeteries of Scotland, notably the area in and around Edinburgh. These sites are extremely rich in visual treasure. Each site possesses a unique slice of the history, religion, art and architecture of the time period in which it was created. Today, several of the sites are in a shameful state of disrepair with nature rapidly reclaiming the landscape. Trees and shrubs, once carefully manicured, now tower over and envelop the beautifully carved tombstones. Celtic crosses and majestic marble angels are hostage to vines and weeds that strangle and conceal them from the view of the passerby.
The gravestones seem almost indifferent to the elements that continue to wear at their surfaces and challenge their structural integrity. It is the collision and contrast of that ongoing confrontation that draws me into these sites year after year. I have dedicated myself to preserving those memories and voices from the past to be handed on for others to share into the future.