Kicking Sawdust: Running Away with the Circus and Carnival

Kicking Sawdust is a collection of photographs from 1988-1992, documenting the lives of friends and acquaintances encountered by the author while working in his family's food business.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 19 November 2020
Publisher: Daylight Books

Kicking Sawdust is a captivating series of photographs that capture the essence of life on the road with the circus, carnival, and sideshows during the years 1988 to 1992. This personal documentation serves as a profound testament to the friendships and encounters that Clayton Anderson forged during his daily adventures while working and traveling alongside his family's food business. The photographs, shot exclusively on black and white film and developed by the author himself during his travels and after-hours, offer a unique and intimate glimpse into the world of circus performers, carnies, and sideshow attractions.

The series begins with a series of striking portraits of circus performers, capturing their unique personalities and captivating expressions. From acrobats and contortionists to jugglers and clowns, each image tells a story of talent, dedication, and the sheer joy of performing. The photographs also showcase the behind-the-scenes preparations and rehearsals that go into creating a circus show, from the intricate costumes and makeup to the intricate sets and props.

As the series progresses, Clayton Anderson delves deeper into the lives of the carnival and sideshow performers. He captures their struggles, triumphs, and the raw emotions that accompany their work. The photographs offer a glimpse into the often-hidden world of these individuals, who are often marginalized and misunderstood. They reveal the resilience, determination, and creativity that it takes to survive in a profession that often demands both physical and emotional endurance.

Kicking Sawdust is not just a collection of photographs; it is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul. Through his lens, Clayton Anderson has captured the essence of the circus, carnival, and sideshows, and has created a visual narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. This series serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and compassion, and of the beauty and complexity that can be found in the lives of those who choose to live on the fringes of society.

In conclusion, Kicking Sawdust is a remarkable series of photographs that offer a unique and intimate glimpse into the world of circus, carnival, and sideshows. Through his lens, Clayton Anderson has captured the essence of the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul, and has created a visual narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. This series serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and compassion, and of the beauty and complexity that can be found in the lives of those who choose to live on the fringes of society.

Weight: 798g
Dimension: 212 x 260 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781942084921