The Cloud Makers explores the nuances of mourning the closures of power plants in Western Pennsylvania. Notorious for their elevated pollution levels, including arsenic and mercury, these plants have paradoxically played a vital role in sustaining the economies of seemingly overlooked rural communities for decades. The series captures and reimagines the juxtaposition of joyous family moments – playing, picnicking, and relishing life – against the backdrop of towering structures as "the cloud makers”, a moniker affectionately given by local children. Created using a combination of digital techniques and software, including Photoshop, Procreate, and Canva, there’s a curiosity, disdain, and celebration of these structures and their lasting impact on western Pennsylvania’s history and future.
The Unnatural / The Necessary Conditions for Cloud Makers
In order to properly build and maintain these power plant structures, there must be large amounts of accessible water. To this end, man-made lakes are formed. These man-made lakes have dams that require maintenance and upkeep. What happens when these plants close?
