"The Ladder"

A couple years ago, Ryan (a buddy of mine) and I went down to check out the abandoned Bethlehem Steel site in Bethlehem, PA (now the proud possession of Sands Casino). While driving amongst the acres of buildings in varying states of decay, I spotted something that would change our lives forever. It was a ladder that was attached to the tin roof of an old stone arched building.  There were other similar ladders evenly spaced out to allow the workers access to different points of the rooftop, but this one was different.  

The top portion of the ladder was in perfect condition, but as you follow it down, the rungs began to be broken off until it eventually just fell apart. The below photo (which I found on Flickr)  must have been taken several years prior because it is seen in the early stages of coming apart. I wish I had a camera with me that day.

We loved the allegory of the visual. It was such a simple yet strong image to us.  If life were that ladder, you have no choice but to keep climbing because the rungs behind you all fall away. You can’t stay on one rung for too long either because you risk loosing your foothold as well.  A constant climb, regardless of getting tired, or scared, or nostalgic.

We can’t stay still. We can’t go back.

This strong reminder inspired me to created an artwork based on the image burned into my brain.

Shortly after, my friend Ryan, asked me to tattoo the ladder on his back.

Eventually, the love affair with the grounds of the Bethlehem Steelworks grew to a facination with the old blast furnace. A hulking metal beast that looms over the Lehigh River.  An expansion project for the tattoo was brewing.  Ryan loved all of the small staircases that weave throughout the structure, and would imagine what it was like to climb the ones that curve around the big stacks.  

After much discussion and design consideration, we began work on the beast.  (I may get into the visual symbolism someday, but don’t feel like dragging this post into yet another direction.)

But now there is a sense of urgency with this project, because there is a possibility the Ryan might be moving away soon.  And like the rungs of the ladder, the days fall away never to be retrieved again.  We have no choice but to keep working on this piece, and complete as much as we can before he departs.

We can’t stay still. We can’t go back.

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~ by Ainslie on April 15, 2011.