The Second offers a poignant look into the lives of everyday gun owners in Arizona, revealing the complexities of American gun culture. The photographer gains access to the homes of seemingly ordinary citizens, uncovering a striking juxtaposition – armories filled with semi-automatics, Glocks, and rifles coexisting with children’s toys and fine china. He engages with individuals, including senior NRA members, to capture the unsettling reality of their relationships with firearms.
The Second Amendment was partially written to ensure that civilian America was sufficiently armed that they could deal with the British invasion should it ever happen, and yet here he was, door-knocking with a British accent, asking to enter people’s homes to see their guns, have a chat – and take their photo.
“Sure! Come right on in – would you like some fresh coffee?”
He’s not sure what they all figured a full-scale British invasion would look like, but the irony of the situation was not entirely lost on him.
Ultimately, this series does not celebrate or condemn gun ownership but serves as a meditation on the multifaceted nature of gun culture in America. Through these portraits, the photographer aims to provoke dialogue and introspection, inviting viewers to confront their own perspectives and biases regarding guns and their role in society.
