2024 Senior Exhibition Artists 2024 Senior Exhibition Artists: Meadow Clarke

About Meadow Clarke

Meadow Clarke is a Photographer based in Rhode Island. She received her BFA in Photography with Minors in International Business and Art History from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in the Spring of 2024. In addition to her personal work in fine arts photography, Meadow also does event and portrait photography and social media management.

Statement

Growing up as an only child with separated parents, I was forced to find peace in being alone. As I grew older and my visual imagination unfolded, nights became an opportunity to explore the therapeutic act of driving and photographing—a journey guided by my mind and body, with no predetermined route. This series isn't about nighttime photos; it encapsulates the profound sense of being alone in the world—a reminder that, in the end, there is only oneself. A busy highway reduced to a single car, a bustling movie theater with no patrons, and a gas station with unknown stories—all encapsulate the theme of being alone in a world full of memories, lost and abandoned.

Photographing at night has become a ritual- a way to connect with my past and find peace in the chaos of life. As I drive through the abandoned streets of my youth, I document my emotional ties to specific sites. I feel that this time allows me to truly be alone with my thoughts and reflect. The silence is comforting, and I find solace in the stillness.

Growing up in Burrillville and Cumberland, Rhode Island, I have a deep connection to these two towns that goes beyond physical location. They hold my core memories - the moments that shaped me into who I am today. From wandering in the woods with my friends in Burrillville, to walking my friend to his first date at the local ice cream shop in Cumberland, every corner of these towns holds a piece of my past. Exploring my two hometowns brings back a flood of memories - from sneaking out and trespassing the local factory with friends, to my first job and where I learned to drive. Each street, each building, and each pothole reminds me of where I come from and who I am. These towns are not just places on a map; they are a part of me.

Making this work, I am reminded of the simple joys of childhood and the challenges of growing up. These towns have seen me at my best and my worst. As I photograph these towns, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and reflect on the stories that each one held. I drove through old neighborhoods, wondering what life was like for those who crossed my path at the time. Reflecting on the relationships lost, drifted apart, and moved on to the relationships created or the ones that lasted I rediscovered a rich history of forgotten memories.

Contact

meadowclarke.com