Gallery | Ruth Foote | Left Behind

A few years ago, I bought a 100-year old brick building to use as a studio and residence. When I took possession of the building, I was at first irritated (and later amused) to discover what was left behind for me to clean up. As I began to collect the literal piles of garbage and other items, I became inspired to make pictures before throwing them away myself. Collecting and recording the objects gave them new value. This transformation occurred once I clicked the shutter. Their trash became my treasures.