“Beyond the Rust”

In a world that often favors the pristine and the new, I am drawn to what time leaves behind—decay, corrosion, and the overlooked beauty in deterioration. "Beyond the Rust" is a photographic exploration of old steel surfaces transformed by time, weather, and neglect. Through my lens, rust is not a symbol of ruin, but of resilience—an evolving canvas painted by nature itself.

These photographs capture the unexpected vibrancy and texture found in rusted, painted metal. Layers of color peel and blend, oxidized patterns emerge, and the surfaces tell stories of utility, abandonment, and renewal. Each image reveals a tension between what was and what remains, inviting viewers to find grace in imperfection and art in randomness.

This series is not about documenting decay—it's about reimagining it. "Beyond the Rust" seeks to elevate the humble and broken, honoring their place in the visual and emotional landscape. Through abstraction and close observation, I hope to challenge perceptions of beauty and permanence, reminding us that transformation—even in decay—can be profoundly beautiful.

Raymond VanderFliet