The longer I stay in Charlotte, the more I feel homesick. Putting on a (Store) Front is a documentary series that explores the dichotomy between the fronts and backs of small town stores.

The idea dawned one night while exploring an alleyway in downtown Rock Hill, South Carolina. While taking the shortcut, I noticed a gigantic wall with the phrase “Live long and prosper” spray painted onto it. My first thought was that nobody would see that piece of art because it is behind the building. No one goes behind the stores! That’s when the idea struck me to photograph and compare the fronts and backs of stores.

Many stores in small towns are a lot more extravagant looking on the front than they are on the back. It seems to me that fewer people travel around the alleyways in the South. Perhaps they are afraid of being mugged! I think this leads to businesses deciding not put money towards renovating the backs of the stores.

This documentary series has not only allowed me to become more open minded to view all of the angles, but also has allowed me to travel back to my roots and explore other small towns.