Joey Seawell

Revolution Mill Tenant, Resident Photographer

My connection to Revolution Mill begins around 2004, I was intrigued by this massive building, the creek that crossed the property, all of the bricks in the smoke stacks alone… I was also facsinated by the history of the place, what was the mill like when it was fully operating? There was a lot to see and photograph. I continued to document the evolving landscape around the campus and as development picked up and new energy began to pump into the mill again, I was inspired to join the community. In 2011/12, our first studio was beside a cheese maker, everyday in the studio began with the aroma of roasted peppers. I shared the floor with a few other photography studios as well as a nursing school. We had the best light through our windows! We were on the 3rd floor of the now 1250 building. We left the 1250 building in 2013/14 when renovations on that specific building began. We relocated on campus and began worked alongside of scientists in various laboratories in the 1050 building. We spent several years at this location in the 1050 building, great memories of art shows, photoshoots, movie screenings. The campus began to bustle as we had our first restaurant open, then a second, then we heard a bar was coming! The place is hopping! We had began to outgrow our 1050 studio and it was time to relocate. We are currently operating our studio in the 1175 building in what used to be the dye finishing and shipping wing back in early 1900’s. The space has incredible light, truly a warm atmosphere for creativity. The mill’s landscape is always evolving, thankful to participate and document, excited for what’s to come for this community in Greensboro.

I’d like to give attention to the the folks who work behind the scenes to make the campus operate. Through the lens of a camera, Ive Witnessed the vision come to life and all of the hard work many folks put in to make it happen. Cheers to The Rev Mill staff, to the restaurant owners feeding everyone bringing traffic through campus, the tenants hosting community events, the wellness community that gets folks outside and moving, all the artists who create here, the events that come to campus, the beautiful landscapes. I’ve witnessed it go from none of these things, to all of them and thriving. Always inspired and motivated by you all. Teamwork makes the dream work. Cheers!