Bristow High (1962-1966)

Prolog

This anthology of photographs is in direct contrast to the stark and shocking images presented in Larry Clark’s book “Tulsa” published in 1971.  This is a collection of cloistered negatives from the early sixties taken in a small town only 30 miles from the drugs, sex and violence seen in Clark’s book.  Instead these are my images, I created as a teen learning to photograph, using schoolmates as, mostly willing, subjects.  The contrast is almost that of a 50’s tv show vs the grit of that turbulent era.

Students going about the daily business of high and junior high school with class plays, sports, club meetings and a few images of socializing in the community are seen here as they came out of that old storage box in the attic.  Scratches, dust, stains and discoloration are the evidence of the passing years, as are the wrinkles on the visages of these same people if you meet them today at 50-year class reunions.  

This is the Vietnam War generation before the war got into its full destructive swing.  These young people were able to live in an innocent state broken only by their  occasional rambunctious misadventures of growing up.  Around them the country was setting up for a revolutionary series of losses, demonstrations and norm-shattering changes. 

This exploration of portraits from a bygone time is presented through the mechanical silver shadows of the camera lens.  Also presented here, is an expression of my abiding caring and respect for my fellow classmates.

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