Uncomfortable Still Lifes

This series features objects arranged into beautiful still lifes of a strange and/or dark nature. The elements in these still lives have symbolism giving each image a deeper meaning than what appears.

My process begins simply by finding the right props. Most of them are common house hold objects mixed with some less ordinary elements such as dead butterflies, certain flora, taxidermy, etc. I strive to not make my work gory or frightening, but strangely entertaining. The background is usually a solid color to bring more attention to the objects, but lately I have used fabrics and even the outdoor landscapes for backgrounds. While I am photographing I think about what each particular still life means to me. This is where I create the meaning and give it a name.

My biggest influence is famous still life photographer, Irving Penn. I find his work fascinatingly strange. Such unusual subjects yet beautiful. Some of my other influences are artists like Harmen Steenwyck and Antonio Diaz for their source lighting and composition. Giuseppe Bognanni for the way he uses limited background to keep the focus on the subject. And Carlo Pautasso for the way his still lifes tell a story and his object seem to have personality and feelings. Emine Basa uses chiaroscuro and yet the colors are so vivid and colorful. And lately Elise Mesner for her colorful bizarre still lifes with solid color backgrounds. They have inspired me to proceed with my love of the strange. There is beauty in the strange.