“The natural elements of prosperity seem concentrated in profusion seldom found. In our primitive simplicity we reasoned that if we could take ores from the mountains and reduce them to gold and silver with which to pay for labor and purchase the productions of the valleys, a community could be established in the country independent of foreign resources. The result will show the success or failure of this Utopian scheme.”

– Charles D. Poston, Building a State in Apache Land 1878

 

The American dream, manifest destiny; these paradoxical ideas of history have taken over the land, and have been a continuing motto of America. These many ideas of early conquerors were brought with the hope of Utopia and grandeur, but continue to leave dust in their wake. These ideas flourished within the mining industry; taking all they can from the land and leaving when there is no more. “Dusted” questions this history of the manifest destiny by looking into the impact of mining and what is left behind after the this cyclical process has ended and moved on to the next place.

 

Dusted Book – Flip Through

 

 

All photos shot across Arizona from January – April 2018

Photographed with Hasselblad 500c/m with Kodak Ektar 100iso