AT THE EDGE OF THE KNOWN WORLD
Sebastian Schwarz
At the Edge Of the Known World
The possibilities of photography lie in the ability to immortalize specific light, space, and motion of moments in time. This book originated as an idea to study the connections I saw in the world around me. Not only social relationships, but the connections towards larger ideas of landscape, light, texture, speed, and scale of experiences. My intentions through the curation of my photography are to create a cohesive narrative of a specific place and time. The practice of authentic observation is fundamental to the work here, specifically in my choice to photograph predominantly in black and white. I wanted to strip my surroundings down to their most basic elements. Across the summer months of 2023, I set out on a goal to make photographs for a publication.
I grew up spending my summers in Salisbury Beach and began staying at my grandparents cottage from the time I got my first summer job at 15. In the years since then, I have taken in the variety of experiences that growing up has to offer. I recognize that this is a privilege and these photographs are dedicated to the sense of gratitude that I hold towards those who have helped make this all possible. The themes shown across this book follow my perspective on growing up, connecting in nature, and experiencing the spontaneous possibilities of a small town.
The parameters of restriction make for an endlessly interesting geography. Like it were surrounded by medieval walls, Salisbury Beach is a barrier island surrounded by water on all sides - by the ocean to the east, by salt water marsh to the west, and rivers to the north and south. Thin strips of houses run up towards the border of New Hampshire. Set against the backdrop of boundless nature and a small town economy, Salisbury wears its history. Saltfilled wind peels the residences apart, while the once renowned town center fades into the past. Not many people come, and not many people leave. With each step on the soft sand, there is an unsettling reminder of impermanence. Built on unsteady ground against the banks of a restless ocean, every year standing is a blessing.
The rhythm of the surf rings like a metronome in the distance. Sets of waves roll in like verses of song, always present while seasons pass on by. The camera is both a tool of resistance and an device of embrace towards this motion.
