I take photos of haying, pig kills, tobacco and such because it is unusual, fast disappearing
and filled with beauty. And part of where I live. Many of my neighbors on Mauk Ridge
(Elliott County, Kentucky) are also interested in sharing what has been their tradition and
heritage, even while they are comfortable with the world as it is becoming.


Artist Bio:

Ann Olson has been learning and earning from her photography for twelve years. Both
began with photo illustrating a children’s picture book written by George Ella Lyon,
Counting on the Woods (DK Ink, 1998). Color photography has allowed her to feel even
more connected to eastern Kentucky, where she’s been living for 5 years on 100 hilly acres.
'I appreciate much that digital makes possible, but I am not interested in altering my photos.
I’d rather share precisely what I see and experience. It all comes down to the strong curiosity
gene I inherited and which serves me well.’ She agrees with photographer Diane Arbus
about being ‘comfortable going where I haven’t been before.’ Her delight is in seeing and
sharing the ordinary in every which way.
She also adds ‘I am grateful to my neighbors for their continuing tolerance of my curiosity
and for their friendship.’