Upon Tarver’s pieces specifically hangs “Homesteaders,” a sizable collage that embodies a striking testament to his innovative approach to photography, also utilizing Richard’s salvaged negatives by Ron. With meticulous attention to detail, Ron Tarver crafted a visual narrative that transcends time and space. Reflecting on his process, he shares, ‘Homesteaders’ is a different type of series, which consists of making constructions built within the studio, cutting images out, and placing in scenes.” He then continues to delve into the piece’s backstory, revealing how the subjects from his father’s archives now morph into the Homesteaders, who appear to be now emerging from a dustbowl and seemingly departing Earth for new frontiers. Through this piece, Tarver poses a thought-provoking question, asking viewers to contemplate whether these individuals are better off in their new surroundings or where they originated. He continues to mention, despite his encounter with what could be considered a severe setback during the project’s creation involving a surprise influx of water from a storm in his studio, thus damaging over 500 prints for the work, he quickly adapted and transformed adversity into opportunity, finding newly artistic qualities within the water damaged prints, fitting perfectly within the theme of the finished piece. The final result is a meticulously crafted 42-inch by 24-inch collage that seamlessly blends analog and digital techniques, thus inviting viewers to explore the depths of Tarver’s artistic vision and the questioning layers of meaning within Homesteaders.