Pictures Highlight: Alex Bruno – BOOOOOOOM! – CREATE * INSPIRE * COMMUNITY * ART * DESIGN * MUSIC * FILM * PHOTO * PROJECTS

A physique of labor documenting dry stonemasons within the Hudson Valley by Brooklyn-based photographer Alex Bruno. Much of Bruno’s work entails documenting the stewardship of public lands within the United States which he first started photographing in 2019. Since then he has photographed 27 National Parks in addition to the work of U.S. Park Rangers. “You Can Have My Hammers When You Pry Them From My Cold Dead Fingers” is an ongoing collection following The Jolly Rovers. Spearheaded by Artile Hidalgo, Bob Brunner, and Chris Ingui, this all-volunteer path crew have devoted themselves to creating entry to iconic environments throughout Upstate New York. Using time-tested trailbuilding methods, the group has accomplished over 30 initiatives in public parks and nature preserves throughout New York State, logging roughly 2,500 hours of service a season.

“In a world inundated by social media, artificial intelligence and mass consumerism, the crew they created represents an essential foil. The Jolly Rovers are a found family, varied in age, gender, occupation and race, that passes down craftsmanship that has existed for thousands of years. From harvesting stone from the earth to drilling, splitting and laying it on the mountain, these photographs showcase the intricacy of their stewardship duties and the lasting impact they will leave on these environments for centuries to come.”