Farms from the Air

Outside of the cities and suburbs still there exists a vast landscape that is dotted with farms. The farms come in all shapes and sizes, as they stretch across the landscape. These farms are smaller, some may grow corn or soybean, while others are raising small herds of animals. Being a pilot, I’m always intrigued looking down on the land and the farms as I fly over them. Each farm has its own characteristic that you cannot see from the road. The random patterns created on the land, both man-made and natural, frame the farms in different ways. Farms from the Air is a documentary series that explores the patterns in these farms as seen from a bird’s eye perspective. Each photo is created in the locus amoenus tradition. Using color and lines and vantage point, the photos show the interaction of the farm and the land it sits upon. 

Reflections Reconsidered

I am intrigued by reflections on the water.  I have noticed that the perfect reflections, that mirror-like reflection found on still water, seem like the most admired. But what about those other days, the crazy non-still days of our lives.  In Reflections Reconsidered, I explore these other reflections.  The less than perfect reflection.  Just like beauty is only skin deep, so is a reflection.  I want to show that all are beautiful in their own way.  We need to look at the reflections, like life, with a different perspective.

Reflections Reconsidered is a fine art series to see a reflection in a different perspective.  Since these reflections are from the surface of water, they are not perfect, as you would see in a mirror.  The reflection seen in a mirror is depictive, but on other surfaces, it can be so much more than that.  Reflections on the water bring a different perspective.  There is life to a reflection in the water.  It is never the same minute to minute, let alone day to day. 

Additionally, the colors are just off enough to allow the viewer to question reality.  By using an infrared camera, I add a layer of complexity to the photos.  Depending on the day and the coverage of sun or clouds, the colors of the surfaces and leaves can change.  Greens can be red or yellow or white, while the blue can range from cyan to deep blue. An additional feature is that the water is polarized in certain lighting conditions, allowing you to look deeper than the surface.  Through this use of equivocal space, I set out to draw the viewer deeper into the photos. 

To quote Moody Blues from Days of Future Past:

“Red is grey and yellow white

But we decide which is right

And which is an illusion?”

I leave it to you to decide…

Something Watching in the Wood

Something Watching in the Wood

Something Watching in the Wood is a series of representational abstract photographs that show the presence of another set of ‘eyes’ watching over us at any given time.  I spend a lot of time in the forest, either running or hiking.  As I look around, I see faces that are formed in the trees and branches.  Some may be human-like, while others may be animalistic.  They are my ‘Ents’ from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.  They sit silently watching and waiting and when the wind blows, you can hear them argue amongst themselves in the leaves.  I am never alone, even when no one is physically present, there is always ‘something’ watching. 

The faces are in a desaturated, low brightness hue of purple to symbolize the mysticism of the coming change in seeing the particular faces that I am presenting. The same hue, value and saturation was used to tint each photo and create a to cohesive look to the series as well as minimize distractions from the background. The photos are leveled and use contrast in tone, as well as texture define the faces. The vantage point varies, as each face is never in the same position in a tree or log.

My inspiration for this project is drawn from abstract masters such as Minor White and Aaron Siskand.  In creating this series, I look deeper into the forms and the stories behind the expressions found in the trees.  In this case, the faces have a common theme in that they are all showing expressions concern.  As I dug deeper into why, I realize that I am questioning myself and decisions.  I am anxious about the path forward, and in the woods, my feelings are projected into my ‘Ents’.