At the turn of the millennium...

At the turn of the millennium...

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I made an artist book. I photographed the space and the tenants of four warehouses that represented different aspects of Atlanta's DIY Punk scene. The photographs of their interior spaces became screenprinted collages that framed the black and white portraits of the tenants. I asked for their name, age, occupation, and a quote that I letterpressed into the card stock paper I got for free from the University of Georgia press. I bound the book with a coptic stitch. Only one copy exists.

In 2022, I picked this project back up, this time interviewing former tenants about their experiences living at these warehouses. I knew this living environment was unique and that many had lived there. I knew there were some wild stories, legendary shows, and some tragic events. But I had no idea how vast the reach was, how many people lived there even if just for a few months, how many more stories and bonds originated from this gated warehouse complex in the West End of Atlanta. 39 interviews later, I have learned so much and every time I think I've heard it all, someone tells me something new and fascinating that happened there.

The Wild Wild West End Oral History is a testament to the power of a physical space to gather, to be supported by a community, to have an affordable space to live that allows you to pursue hobbies and creative outlets. As housing prices become inflated and impossible for most to manage, as we isolate more and more after the pandemic, as we search our screens for connection more than in person; memories of the heyday of the warehouses become a surreal dream. With little obligation, rules, or worry they fostered freedom, fun, and friendships along with fights, falls, and fires.

I have created an Indiegogo campaign to help me continue with this oral history project. I have nearly 100 hours of footage that I would love to go through and release. I have plans for a 3 part series that blurs the line between oral history and documentary. But as uncomfortable as I am with asking, I need financial help to afford me the time to work on this massive project. I have recreated the original artist book in a more affordable digital print of it and it is available for purchase on the campaign. I also designed and had stickers and enamel pins made using the colors of the landmark water tower that sat at the entrance to old gate into the warehouse complex.

Any contribution helps. Sharing the campaign helps.

Telling someone about the project helps.

Thank you to the 56 backers that have already contributed!!

And thank you for reading,

Ivette Spradlin (Evie)

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