Klaire Smith

Oh, Appalachia, the place I call home. This developing body of work explores the social complexities of this diverse and beautiful region, to which so many of us feel an inexplicable draw. While the hill-dwelling population is far from homogenous, Appalachians are often quickly identified as hillbillies and dismissed as undereducated and ignorant. From comments on our accents to human trafficking rings being overlooked by outsiders, Appalachia has consistently faced an uphill battle for recognition. This body of work aims to spark viewers' interest in digging deeper into the hills and hollows of this forgotten land.