From 2006 he travelled through the southeastern US, befriending and photographing people who have abandoned the city to live off the grid and in many cases give up the accoutrements of modern technology. Some of those who opt for the simple life are driven by environmental concerns or religious beliefs; others fear economic collapse; and some just enjoy hunting and fending for themselves. Above: a father squeezes the teat of a goat to enable his son to drink its milk in Tennessee. Top right: possum-and-acorn stew is the order of the day at a settlement in North Carolina. Bottom right: the decomposing body of a bear partly stripped of its fur in Virginia
While none of the communities featured live in complete isolation — many regularly update websites using laptop computers or keep mobile phones, charging them by solar power — Foglia became aware of the struggles they face to maintain a basic way of life. Food can be hard to come by and the failure of a crop can mean families are forced to go hungry. Education is also an issue. Many, like these girls (above and left) photographed in Tennessee, are likely to be home-schooled in subjects close to their families’ preoccupations. Foglia found their education tended to centre around bushcraft and foraging rather than mathematics or literature.
Lucas Foglia’s project A Natural Order is published as a book by Nazraeli Press and will be exhibited at Les Rencontres d’Arles festival in Arles, France from July 2 to September 23 2012. Visit: lucasfoglia.com
One Response
I think it is all great. homeschooling is the decision we made before our children were even born. now that were wanting to live off the grid, we still want homeschool for them. We are very educated, especially my spouse and they will have a better education than public school children will, that is a fact. I’m sure when were living off the land the subjects will be added, like building houses,,milking goats, butchery (i am a butcher, that will help a lot) we want a few people to come with us for socialization and such but we won’t impose our thoughts or ideals or anyone, one simple rule HARM NO ONE OR GO. thats our one commandment. anyway, anyone will advice call and let us know or email michelle.reinstein@gmail.com
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