A poetic series by Vermont-based photographer Kelly Burgess. Emotional narratives and personal experiences form the thematic core of her photographic work. Burgess’ images are imbued with a sense of intimacy and introspection, often drawing inspiration from her own life to explore universal themes of love, loss, memory, and the human condition. Through a multidisciplinary approach that combines photography and writing, she invites viewers to reflect on their own emotional landscapes and personal histories. In addition to her fine art photography practice, Burgess is a regular editorial contributor to publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

“In the Shadow of the Mountain” explores the theme of New England gothic, a literary and aesthetic tradition that reflects the dark and hidden aspects of New England’s history and culture. This region, known for its Puritan heritage, intellectual legacy, and natural beauty, also harbours stories of witchcraft, madness, violence and decay. In this work, Kelly Burgess explores the lingering influences of Puritanical folklore on the contemporary New England landscape and psyche. Through a series of haunting photographs and writing, she seeks to uncover the hidden threads that connect our modern world to a past steeped in religious fervor, superstition, and moral absolutism.

I live now
in the shadow of the mountain
Where for six months
every year
all I can do is
grit
my
teeth.