ARTIST STATEMENT
Suburban Ruins: Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea, California
The Salton Sea was accidentally created in the California desert just over a hundred years ago making it the largest lake in the state. Engineers were trying to increase water flow to local farms when the Colorado River broke its containment during a storm. Starting in the 1950s, the Salton Sea became a popular vacation destination. Vacationers from Los Angeles and other cities visited the water resort areas that sprung around the lake.
However, fertilizer runoff from nearby farms contaminated the Salton Sea.
Years later, resorts along the shore like this one called Bombay Beach were abandoned due to bad odors emanating from the lake. These poisonous gases killed the fish and birds of the lake. Even though some people decided to stay and still live nearby, resorts like Bombay Beach, are mostly abandoned.
As an archaeologist it fascinates me to see how quickly our modern homes deteriorate and fall into ruins. At the same time I see that some of the artifacts we leave behind will remain for many years. This is a collection of images studying the ruins of Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea and the effect of human habitation on the environment.
