Down East: A Cultural Heritage Project Overview

Down East: A Cultural Heritage is a significant artistic project by Tony Alderman, aimed at preserving the fading maritime culture of the Down East communities in eastern Carteret County, North Carolina. This project is focused on capturing the landscapes, people, and historic traditions of these coastal towns, where Alderman spent considerable time photographing and interacting with local residents.

The project consists of 30 paintings that depict the disappearing fishing culture and rural life of this region. Alderman’s paintings in this series reflect his deep connection to the area, portraying aged shrimp boats, rustic docks, and weathered buildings, all of which carry the mark of time. The artist’s goal is to capture these scenes before they disappear due to modernization and environmental changes.

Book: Down East: A Cultural Heritage

The paintings from this project will be compiled into a book titled Down East: A Cultural Heritage, which will not only showcase the artwork but also delve into the personal reflections and stories behind each piece.

Within the book, Alderman will share:

• His thoughts and emotions connected to each painting, providing insight into why the specific image resonated with him and what compelled him to capture it.
• Reflections on being present in the locations where he took the reference photos, discussing the sensory and emotional experience of being physically in these settings. He often speaks of the peace, nostalgia, and connection he feels when visiting these areas, which inspire his compositions.
• Stories from the local residents who have lived and worked in these Down East communities. These personal anecdotes from fishermen, boat builders, and other locals add a rich, cultural layer to the project, capturing the heritage that Alderman seeks to preserve through his art.

The combination of paintings, personal reflections, and local stories makes this project not just a visual tribute but also an oral history of a vanishing way of life. This book serves as both an artistic and cultural documentation, capturing the heritage of a region undergoing profound transformation.

By showcasing Alderman's artwork alongside his personal experiences and the narratives of the Down East residents, the book provides a comprehensive view of what makes this part of North Carolina so culturally significant.