18,000 years ago, glaciers reshaped the Ohio landscape. These colossal walls of ice moved painstakingly slowly, flattening everything in their path. At the base of the ice lay a mountain of land that grew with every inch it moved. It wasn’t until the glaciers stopped their crawl that the land settled, forming the foothills and mountains across Appalachian America. Once the glaciers melted, the foothills of Appalachia provided a bounty of usable resources for people settling in the area.
Some resources like coal or clay may come to mind when thinking of Appalachia, but other resources that once served a crucial role in survival now remain hidden amongst the rest. Herbs that can be used as medicine, or made into tinctures or teas, spring up each year in backyards, but are viewed as an irritating weed that lives and dies, unappreciated and unused. The remains of a tree that could be woven into an eloquent and versatile basket lay rotting in the woods. Even the remnants of a decaying animal can provide a great number of resources for those bold enough.
With so many modern amenities available at the local supermarket, this may seem like an archaic way of viewing the world, but it can provide sustainable goods virtually for free. To some, this way of life is still prevalent and holds a special place in their lives in Appalachia. The key to unlocking this cornucopia of resources is to know what to look for, and to change how people view the environment around them.
Talcon Quinn, a local artist and craftsperson, has learned through years of training how to utilize the resources around her in a way that may not occur to most. Similarly, Rick Vest, a semi-retired farmer, has been trapping in this area for years and has developed an eye for things that are often too minute for many to notice. Follow their stories below to learn more about the Appalachian region and what it means to the people who call this area home.
The history of Ohio is incredibly vast and complex. Millions of people have passed through this area and left their own unique mark on the landscape, changing the state forever.
Read MoreTalcon Quinn, a local artist and craftsperson has learned through years of training how to utilize the resources around her in a way that may not occur to most.
Read MoreRick Vest, a semi-retired farmer, has been trapping in this area for years and has developed an eye for things that are often too minute for many to notice.
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Presented by Visual Communication Students in the Spring of 2022
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