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In Trump Country (before)
In the build up to the 2016 US presidential election, handmade signs appeared in Donald Trump’s home state of NY. Beaven ventured to meet, better understand and photograph the sign-builders, eventually making a series of environmental portraits.
Adam-Wayne Therrien, Greenville, NY. October 1st 2016. Sign built in May 2016. Plywood and paint. Saw others putting up signs and was inspired to make his own. Truly loves America and believes Trump will bring industry and jobs back.
Fay Johnson (r) & Joe Bennett (l), Germantown, NY. September 11th 2016. Sign built in August 2016. Plywood and paint. Had been hearing about stolen yard signs and decided to build a sign no-one could steal.
Lex Harned, Cairo, NY. September 27th 2016. Sign built in June 2016. Poster board and Sharpie pen. Builds a sign for every political campaign. Always has a sign up for something. Believes if you don't use your voice you don't have an opinion.
'Bear' Brandow, Gloversville, NY. October 5th 2016. Sign built in August 2016. Sheets, spray paint. 'Bear' sewed this together himself having learnt how to use a machine online. A veteran aged 57 who has been working since age 14. The sign contains the letters 'WPFT' - stands for 'Working People For Trump' a group he started on Facebook.
Rich Knoth, Catskill, NY. October 8th 2016. Sign built in September 2016. Plywood and Sharpie pen. Built the sign while waiting for campaign yard signs to arrive.
Bill Hornbeck, Boiceville, NY. October 3rd 2016. Sign built in September 2016. Left-over plywood, paint, flag. Feels strongly about what is going on in his country and that change is needed.
Joe and Ann Marie Vadney, Selkirk, NY. October 13th 2016. Sign built in September 2016. Old U-Haul van and vinyl. Had two campaign issued signs stolen before using the van.
Kevin Hoyt, Oak Hill, NY. October 1st 2016. Sign built in May 2016. Plywood and paint. Wanted to find a way to support Trump. Believes the country needs a businessman in that position not a 'compulsive liar' and that Trump is a better patriot.
Kerry Bischoff, Alabama, NY. October 20th 2016. Sign built in September 2016. Designed online, printed vinyl. Has never voted before but will be voting in this election. Sign references Hilary Clinton.
Anthony Corrado III , Saugerties, NY. October 8th 2016. Sign built in July 2016. Blinking Arrow sign board. Used the sign board for his sister's yard sale. Once that was over he used it and the available letters to make his sign.
Neil and Susan Gardner, Stephentown, NY. October 9th 2016. Sign built in September 2016. Wrapped hay bales, spray paint, flags. Had numerous yard signs stolen. "Our country has gone to shit”.
Kevin Bender, Germantown, NY. October 22nd 2016. Sign built in October 2016. Custom stickers. Wanted to get support for Trump "out there".
Jay Garuc (l) and Stevie Tirpak (r), Oak Hill, NY. October 4th 2016. Sign built in April 2016. Chevrolet Cavalier 2004, pine slab wood, paint, flags. Inspired by Trump's Albany, NY rally.
Peggy Novine, Kinderhook, NY. September 23rd 2016. Sign built in September 2016. Beadboard and vinyl, 3" screws. A reaction to having a yard sign stolen. "I am afraid for my country".