You can view the entire series (40 images) on my website, www.ShapesIndustries.com

Last Refuge is a series of locations that could rapidly be turned into fallout shelters in the event of a disaster. When shooting the series, I imagined that these places would be a last resort for the shelter seeking masses. They are dirty, poorly lit, and unforgiving, and only the most dire circumstances would force people here.

I wanted to give a fairly serious shake to post-apocalyptic survival. I don’t necessarily buy into the doom-saying media, but I do enjoy films like the Terminator series and THX 1138, and after spending so much time in utility tunnels and deep basements, you can’t help but imagine your own version of what it would take to endure the end of the world.

“Last Refuge” - Collection Series #2
Completed Early 2013 - Photography Work - Shapes Industries

I finally got the chance to revisit Joel’s palace.  Joel is a man who has spent over a decade building his home in the wild.  His hard work has been recognized by the authorities and census bureau alike.  

The palace is set into a bluff face, and is constantly expanding as Joel excavates dirt and stones from his surroundings.  He has an artesian spring near the rail road tracks where he gets his fresh water, and inside of his sleeping quarters he has dug a fridge into the sandstone which keeps his food at a respectable temperature for all seasons. 

“Joel’s Palace”
Completed Late 2011 - Photography Work - Shapes Industries