Changing Perspectives: An Artist’s Statement

"What was Once New"--This dumpster sat outside of a brownstone in Chicago, obviously the end receptacle for a rehab project. As I walked past it, I was struck by the realization that the wood and nails were at one time part of new construction. The people who did the original construction were no doubt happy and excited about what had been built. On this day, however, those old, distant feelings took up residency in an admittedly character-rich dumpster and ceded their domain to a whole new round of feelings and promise.

A compelling image is more than razor-sharp focus and balanced exposure. It must first contain feeling. A technically perfect photograph lacking in heart is merely a cold assemblage of paper and chemicals: a recipe followed mechanically. I believe the art of photography lies in the ability to isolate a moment, a place, a person, or a thing giving us a chance to contemplate its fundamental nature. We see the subject in and of itself within its own context. Consequently, we perceive—and interpret—it in fresh and sometimes unexpected ways. The elegance of photography lies in the fact that we are able to revisit the quintessence of those moments well after they have come and gone. Photography helps us to change our perspective.

In this spirit, I find I am most excited when I photograph everyday details—some would call them minutia—and give them their own, individual context.

"Dryer Duct and Paneling at Dusk on Sunday"--While doing laundry on a Sunday evening, I was passing some time making some photographs. I saw the dryer vent duct in a way I never looked at it before, and knew I had to make an exposure.

Knowing that The Shot (capital “T,” capital “S”) can be anywhere at anytime is very appealing. It may come in the form of an out-of-commission train car, a hand-lettered sign on a lonely country road, or the flaking but vivid paint on an alley dumpster. I love to discover the elements of a scene that make me think, hm, I like that. Ideally, others will like it as well.

I feel it is imperative not to force my interpretation of a subject into the lens. I must remain open to receive the happy accidents that often lead to the photographs of which I am most fond. I have spent entire afternoons chasing a particular image, only to discover the best work of the day came as a “throw-away” shot just before I packed up in frustration. Allowing for—and embracing—the synchronicity that occurs with stunning regularity in our everyday lives has lead to some beautiful surprises.

"Fallen Rose"--While walking through the rose garden at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, I saw these petals laying on the path. Naturally, I found these more interesting than the blooms on the bushes.

Similarly, sometimes the best photographs spring from simply turning around, looking up, or looking down: in other words, from changing perspective.