In the last 50 years, the rates of cremation in North America have risen dramatically. Because of the cost of burial and a more nomadic American population, cremation has become a popular alternative to traditional burial. In this series, I traveled to the most frequent locations in North America where ashes are spread. These locations are often scenic, postcard-worthy and highly photographed areas. I photographed the landscape occasionally including a temporary container in the frame. The temporary container is a cardboard box from crematoriums, meant to store ashes until they are scattered or placed in a permanent container.

While the majority of reports are of ashes being spread by professional organizations in designated areas, many individuals have chosen to scatter ashes themselves. More Americans than ever before are scattering loved ones’ ashes and often without permission—an act known as, “wildcat scattering.” It is a reflection of both the marked rise in cremation and the growing desire by people to find their own ways to ritualize grief.

In a world where many would argue that no aspect of nature is unaffected by human impact we still desire that which is “natural” but we also embrace the completely artificial. One such example of this artificiality included in this project is Disneyland, where there have been many reports of ashes being scattered in the, “Happiest place on earth.”

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