Caren Winnall: Route 1

Caren Winnall: Route 1 by Aline SmithsonJune 8, 2024

©Caren Winnall, Route 1 book cover

We all had different reactions to the pandemic. Some stayed behind locked doors, hoping to keep the world at bay, but others looked at the quieted highways as a opportunity to hit the road and see the country during a unique time in history. Photographer Caren Winnall made the decision to travel the entire length of Route 1, 2,370 miles from Key West, Florida, north to Fort Kent, Maine, at the Canadian border, making it the longest north–south road in the United States. It became a unique time of contemplation and exploration. She has recently released a book of her adventure titled Route 1, published by Mongrel Dog Press. The book can be purchased on her website.

Winnall has work in the group exhibition, In/SIGHT: Work by Ten Photographic Artists, that opens tomorrow and will run through June 20th at the Carriage Barn Art Center, Waveny Park, New Canaan, CT. Artists included are Sue Palmer Stone, Emily Laux, Dawn Watson, Torrance York, Ann N. Brown, Terry Tougas, Karen Neems, Bill Gore, Pam Einarson, and Caren Winnall. There will be an opening reception on the 9th from 3 -5pm and an artist’s talk on June 15th from 10:30 – 12pm.

A short interview with the artist follows.

©Caren Winnall, Spread from Route 1

©Caren Winnall, Spread from Route 1

Route 1

Route 1 is the longest north/south road in the U.S., running 2,370 miles from the Canadian border in Fort Kent, ME to Key West, FL. Inspired by Berenice Abbott’s 1954 project, I decided to photograph along Route 1 in its entirety, which I undertook during 2020-2022. My dog Java was my companion.

Route 1 passes through rural areas, small towns and cities. Its landscapes include seashores, pine forests, industrial centers, strip malls, housing developments and farmland. You see Walmarts, Autozones, 7-Elevens, American flags, churches, vacant stores, cheap motels, pickup trucks. Route 1 can be a congested two lane road with stop lights every half mile, or a one lane road cutting through hundreds of miles of nothing. In traveling this road you witness much of the country’s diversity.

©Caren Winnall, Fairfield, CT, from Route 1

Being on the road was often difficult and lonely. Night after night in a strange bed, eating alone, exhausted after driving for 8 or more hours
became oppressive. Several times I considered quitting, but convinced myself to see the project through. Often I stumbled upon something that sparked my curiosity or brought me joy.

Eventually I found that by looking closely and staying open there is beauty all around – the everyday and ordinary are actually extraordinary. This is what I celebrate with these images made along Route 1. I came across a sign in Raleigh, NC that captures the essence of what I discovered and which continues to motivate me: Fill Your Life With Strange Beautiful Things.

©Caren Winnall, Houlton, ME, from Route 1

Can you tell us about your growing up and what brought you to photography?

I came to be passionate about photography late in life. I had taken several photography classes in high school and college, and liked working in the darkroom, but didn’t consider it as a serious pursuit. When I retired I was trying to figure out my new life, and I decided to take an Introduction to Digital Photography week-long class at Maine Media Workshops. I loved it and this led to years of classes,workshops, and photography tours.

©Caren Winnall, Bath, ME from Route 1

Congratulations on the book! During the pandemic, what compelled you to take this journey when the rest of the world was shut down?

My husband died of cancer at a young age, so I was already aware that health and life can end suddenly. The pandemic made me think about what was important to me, and staying holed up alone in my house was not the way I wanted to spend my time. I began to venture out to nearby towns to photograph because the risks seemed outweighed by the benefits to my mental health. After I had my first series of vaccines and boosters, I felt more comfortable being out. I was nervous when I was surrounded by unmasked people, but I was rarely inside crowded places. Luckily I stayed healthy throughout my travels.

©Caren Winnall, Newburyport, MA, from Route 1

Did you do it all in one drive and how did having your dog with you impact the trip?

I took several trips doing this project. The first long trip was from my home in Connecticut through New England up to the Canadian border. The second leg was a few months later when I traveled through the mid-Atlantic and southern states to Florida. I took a break for a few weeks on the west coast of Florida, then made my way to Key West where I then completed the final journey up Route 1 along Florida’s East Coast.

My dog, Java, loves the car and is a great traveler! Sometimes it was difficult having her because many places restrict pets. However she was a great ice breaker with strangers, and helped make me feel safer sometimes when out in unfamiliar places. She was a wonderful companion.

©Caren Winnall, Alma, GA, from Route 1

What was the worst meal and the best meal on the road?

The worst meals on the road consisted of what I could scrounge up at the gas stations that often were the only choice around. Power bars, polly-o cheese sticks, a mealy apple if I was lucky. The best meals were when I found a restaurant where I could sit outside with Java, and have a fresh salad and broiled fish and a glass of wine. Not eating meat and avoiding fried foods is very tough in much of the country!