Zachary Krahmer
Artist Statement
Gas Across America: Oregon is one of only two states that require attendants to pump gas for customers, the other being New Jersey. Sitting in the backseat as a child, I grew up associating stations with places of conversation and exchange. Beginning in 2017, I drove across the country for school and began a structured project asking gas station attendants the same two questions: what is something you like about the country, and what is something you would change? The question serves as a jumping-off point. This project is inherently random. I drive where I need to go, and visit a station when I am out of gas. After explaining the project, nearly all attendants agree to participate. Conversations are usually 45 to 60 minutes, with many lasting multiple hours. Before leaving, we make a few portraits together. Over the past five years, this body of work has grown to include hundreds of employees crossing many of the boundaries by which we identify. These images and stories come from a selection of conversations in March, April and May 2021. We need more listening, and this is my attempt to appropriately, comprehensively, and transparently share what I hear in the hopes to understand myself and provide an opportunity for others to understand the mosaic of perspectives that shape how this country understands itself.
Any print sales will contribute directly to getting a copy of the project into the hands of those who participate. The remaining funds will be used to produce booklets to share with programs that seek to bridge urban and rural divisions.
Read more stories on Instagram @gasacrossamerica
Zachary Krahmer| Portland, OR