This documentary photography project examines the impact of economic globalisation on former industrial cities and struggling small towns across America. Drawing inspiration from my family history in a rural mining town in Western Pennsylvania, this project explores the intricate tapestry of economic desperation, resilience, beauty, and transformation defining these often-overlooked corners of society. It also highlights the environmental consequences of the steel and coal industries, revealing the lasting effects on landscapes and societies once thriving alongside these industrial giants.
At its core, the project reflects on the fleeting nature of beauty and the unwavering resilience of individuals facing adversity.
The title, inspired by Robert Frost’s poem, captures the essence of impermanence present in each photograph. With streets once bustling now deserted and buildings echoing silence, these images serve as an ode to the relationship between physical space, culture, and history.
The protagonists are the small towns and rural communities that once thrived on the pulse of factories, mills, and mining. The project uncovers the interplay between economic shifts and the lives of those who have weathered the storms of change.
Ultimately, Nothing gold can stay reminds us to cherish quiet beauty amidst progress and honour the resilience of those who have endured change with grace.
