One sustaining interest that I have is lost or compromised cultural histories and their interplay with the notion of territory. By following the trajectory of peripheral events I find narratives that illuminate a historical dialogue often less considered. These shadow incidents spark new ideas. In 2010 I traveled in Lebanon and to Damascus. Having Syrian/Lebanese roots enhanced my observations and, coupled with current pedestrian photographs from the Arab world, initiated a new body of work titled from a history of ruin. Researching the 20thc Lebanese diaspora gives another context to contemporary events and provides potential resources for my work.