“Happy Ride, Coney Island” is an experimental piece which focuses primarily on various rides from Coney Island’s historic amusement park. There are plans to build a giant indoor complex that will replace many of the old-time honky-tonk arcades and food stalls along the boardwalk. Many of the classic staples of Coney Island will be destroyed and replaced, particularly the handmade signs which are clearly on the way out. “Progress” is on the way in.

The times being what they are, I thought I’d create a piece that was happy. I wanted to take the viewer on a trip back to a more innocent, carefree America. I thought about Coney Island a lot. I grew up in the Midwest so I’d never been there as a child, but was fascinated with the legend. Although my intent was to do something positive, there is an unmistakable sadness about Coney Island. I originally wanted to just film the older rides (which I see as art pieces in themselves), but while shooting over time, decided to record some of what will be replaced as well.

This is my first film, and it was shot in digital video. The imagery is very much like what I would normally photograph, however this medium lends a whole new dimension to the work. The ability to capture motion breathes life into the wonder of Coney Island.

--July 2005