Your name
William (Will) Major
Place of birth
Johnson City, TN
Place where you live now
Harlan, KY
3 words to describe you
Boots, Vinegar, Fire
Why do you take pictures?
It makes me slow down and look at the world differently and more critically. I learn more about where I live and who is my neighbor. Growing up in Appalachia there have always been monolithic pain point visual representation of the region. I know my work still talks about a lot of these pain points, but with added nuance. It’s more about me understanding where I live and finding the beauty that lies under the veil.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Driving, talking with people, my community, and my family. Subset cultures such as independent wrestling, competitive eating, punk venues, or anyone that thinks or lives differently from the perceived American Id.
Who are your influences?
Weegee, Mitch Epstein, William Eggleston, Rineke Dijkstra, Collier Schorr, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Dawoud Bey
What determines the subject matter you choose?
Access. This usually takes the form of how intimately involved am I with the landscape or community of people I am photographing. I’m less interested in photographing places I don’t know. Forming relationships and seeing photography as a collaborative effort where the subject gets equal ownership is key.
What impact would you like your art to have?
Educate and reform. A lot of folks don’t know the nuanced stories of Appalachia. My hope is that they will see where I’m from as complicated and beautiful just like anywhere else in the world.
What artwork do you never get bored with?
Community led art projects. Others learning and implementing skills they learn to make something for where they live is constantly my preferred artwork over solo endeavors.
Is there anything you want to add?
Thank you for including me in this project!