The main focus of the Recapturist Project is to capture and preserve the Googie-inspired neon signage favored by many American businesses during the mid-1900s. Although this Mid-Century Modern architectural movement originated in Southern California, its influence can be found in almost every corner of the US. As a result, much of the artist’s free time is spent exploring the nearly forgotten two-lane highways and back roads of America on a never ending quest to document these roadside treasures before they all fall victim to progress.
Bill Rose is documentary photographer who strives to find beauty in overlooked and seemingly mundane settings. He currently resides in Minneapolis but first developed this passion while living in Seattle – when he took his camera to shoot the old motels that decorate (the infamously rundown) Aurora Avenue. Although he had driven past them dozens of times, he didn’t fully recognize the personality and character of these neglected landmarks until viewing them up close and in isolation through a camera lens. Only recently has he combined this fascination with his love of road trips through small town America to produce the work now on display in his online gallery at Recapturist.com.
