Signs hang somewhere between monument and ephemera, between architectural design and graphic design.  Though they are often a building’s most distinctive and recognized feature, they are generally not considered part of an architectural composition.  Often overlooked by preservationists, signs are in the rather hapless position of being especially vulnerable to disappearance, despite being particularly interesting from a design perspective.   

For years I photographed historic buildings that seemed poised to disappear, taking old signs somewhat for granted.  But as more of the Hudson Valley’s quirky old signs continued to disappear, I gradually began to photograph signs as well architecture.  Shooting signs has since become one of my favorite pastimes.