Presenting Photographer – Appalachian Cultural Project
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Vellum’s Co-Founder Jim Winn recently returned from a presentation in Whitesburg, Ky., with the Appalachian Cultural Project, a long term documentary project run through Western Kentucky University. As a graduate from WKU’s photojournalism program, Jim was a participating photographer with the project in 2004, and documented the lives of coal truck drivers from the Virgie, Ky., area.
The Appalachian Cultural Project is designed to promote the education of Western Kentucky University photojournalism students while respectfully documenting the people and the culture of the Appalachian region. It is the goal of the project creator and the participants to truthfully represent the people of the area and, through audio and multimedia production, to counter negative stereotypes that are unfairly attached to the region. The challenge of overcoming these stereotypes is large, but by making honest images and by treating people with respect, the project aims to reveal the realities of life in the region and celebrate Appalachian culture.
During the presentation Jim showed a mixture of photojournalism produced for editorial clients, and spoke about Vellum’s role in the industrial community. As a former newspaper photojournalist, Jim also spoke with the students about the importance of building an understanding of business and marketing, both of which will become increasingly important as newspapers go through a series of transitions in upcoming years.
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