2025 06 10

A glance back in time. Pontiac, Illinois. June, 2024. © Clayton Hauck

I was sent this video (below) and told to watch it, after seeing it pop into my feed and deciding not to (I follow Smarter Every Day but am trying my best to cut down on my youtube time lately). I’m glad it did seep into my brain (thanks Dave!). Honestly, the video resonates with me in so many ways I’m not even sure where to begin. Instead, I will only suggest you give it a watch yourself and see what you take away from it (it’s entertaining, too!).

The one thing I will relate it to here is my ongoing “Ill Wandering” photo project. While out exploring the state, I encounter so many places that clearly feel lost to time. This idea that America has declined, or at the very least changed beyond recognition, is real for so many people. I won’t even begin to get into the complexities here, but will say it’s something I spend a lot of time pondering and hopefully even more time documenting in the months and years ahead.

Oh! Also, I will be showing a few images from the series, for the first time ever, on June 20th during a photography show at my studio… just need to figure out which ones, which is always the hard part for me.

-Clayton

2025 05 16

Cool red car at Casey’s. Franklin Grove, Illinois. May, 2025. © Clayton Hauck

As my hands were filled of gas station snacks, I fumbled for my camera but didn’t get to it before this classic vehicle drove off. Alas, this iphone snap was all I came away with. It is, however, a nice reminder to myself that I’ve really been enjoying my time out in rural Illinois. This town, in particular, is one I will likely be spending much more time in in the years ahead.

-Clayton

2025 04 13

Classic car in Thawville, Illinois. June, 2024. © Clayton Hauck

If you’re in the neighborhood, check out Artesia Brewery.

-Clayton