Maya Meissner’s “The Cedar Lodge” is not just a photography book; it’s a chilling visual diary chronicling a near-fatal encounter with a serial killer. The project, born from a conversation at the 2019 Filter Photo Festival in Chicago, transcends the typical true-crime narrative, relying almost entirely on evocative imagery to convey the ominous atmosphere and lingering trauma of the event. Meissner’s unique approach, devoid of lengthy textual explanations until a brief insert at the very end, allows the photographs to speak for themselves, creating a haunting and deeply personal experience for the viewer. The book’s design intentionally amplifies this eerie quality, hinting at a sinister undercurrent that distinguishes it from ordinary photographic collections. It’s a testament to Meissner’s artistic vision, transforming a deeply personal trauma into a powerful and unsettling visual narrative.
The story behind “The Cedar Lodge” dates back to 1999, when a young Maya Meissner and her family stayed at the eponymous motel near Yosemite National Park. Unbeknownst to the children at the time, a man attempted to break into their room in the middle of the night. Their father’s intervention thwarted the intruder, an incident that remained a family secret for fifteen years. It wasn’t until 2014 that Meissner’s mother revealed the truth: the man who tried to enter their room was Cary Stayner, later identified as the Yosemite Killer, responsible for the murders of four women in the area. This revelation ignited Meissner’s artistic exploration of the event, propelling her to create a visual record of the trauma that had invisibly shaped her family’s life.
Meissner’s artistic process involved meticulous research and a sensitive approach to the subject matter. She collected newspaper articles, reviewed her parents’ archival footage from the 1999 trip, and captured her own contemporary photographs of the Yosemite landscape, particularly the chilling forests surrounding the crime scene. The resulting collection in “The Cedar Lodge” weaves together these different visual threads, creating a tapestry of memory, fear, and resilience. The juxtaposition of past and present, combined with the stark beauty of the natural landscape, imbues the book with an unsettling atmosphere, reflecting the psychological impact of the near-encounter on Meissner and her family.
The power of “The Cedar Lodge” lies in its minimalist approach to storytelling. Instead of relying on extensive captions or written narratives, Meissner allows the photographs to carry the emotional weight of the experience. The absence of explicit explanation enhances the book’s eerie quality, inviting viewers to engage with the imagery on a visceral level and draw their own conclusions. This stylistic choice also underscores the often-unspeakable nature of trauma, suggesting that some experiences are best conveyed through the language of images rather than words. The delayed textual explanation at the book’s conclusion functions as a powerful reveal, adding another layer of depth and understanding to the visual journey.
Beyond its artistic merit, “The Cedar Lodge” also stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Meissner’s decision to confront her family’s trauma through art demonstrates a profound act of personal processing and healing. By transforming a deeply unsettling experience into a tangible and compelling visual narrative, she reclaims control over the narrative and finds a way to express the often-unarticulated impact of trauma. The book becomes a vehicle not only for exploring the past but also for honoring the victims of the Yosemite Killer and acknowledging the enduring strength of her own family.
Meissner’s dedication at the beginning of the book underscores this sentiment, acknowledging the courage of her mother for sharing the family’s secret and the protective role of her father. The dedication also pays tribute to her sister’s unwavering support and, most importantly, to the victims of Cary Stayner: Carole Sund, Juli Sund, Silvina Pelosso, and Joie Armstrong. This dedication frames the entire project, reminding the viewer that “The Cedar Lodge” is not just a personal story but also a tribute to the lives lost and the enduring impact of violence. Meissner’s sensitive and artistic approach transforms a chilling true-crime narrative into a powerful meditation on memory, trauma, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
