Artist Statement   Exploring new lands is a way of life for me. During a recent excursion, I lost my only beanie which was playing a big part in keeping my bald head warm. While dwelling in that despair of loss I began to notice many other important pieces of people's lives scattered throughout the streets. From that observation, my project Lost but Never Forgotten was born. In memory of my sacred beanie, I needed to record other lost items to act as a memorial to the fallen and lost pieces of people.   Everything I was capturing was important during its use, but now it could be viewed as street trash that others walk past without the slightest notice. That perceived garbage once provided relief and/or comfort to someone. Capturing that item before degradation keeps it alive as long as the image exists. It’s easy to snap something scenic or captivating to a typical viewer. I seek to make beauty out of what is perceived as boring.