In 2019 I ventured out west to Oregon visiting artist friends in Portland. I always seem to focus on the darker side of humanity at home with abandonments as my chief location. But Portland captured my attention in a different way with its natural beauty. Industrialization gave way to calming nature. There was a lushness […]
This is the second part of my last shoot in Cleveland a year ago. I feel rather stupid that I never really attempted to explore my old stomping grounds. There were so many great locations offering many great options. It was a photographers dream! Once again, my model endured all of my suggestions. He climbed
You can never take for granted the assistance of friends and fellow artists. This grouping of images stems from suggestions from my wonderful friend and fellow artist, Linda Gall. I had been whining about the increasing loss of abandoned buildings in Columbus. So Linda suggested an exploration in her hometown of Zanesville. Zanesville has an
Images flow dream-like. Bits and pieces form a cohesive vision. As I look through my photos, I always see my ideal of the human body interacting with the setting. These are locations with which mankind relates and reciprocates. Many see these as wastelands, but I see them for their history and their significance in our
I have always sought out a stronger purpose for my photography. I feel that the image can be complimented with other materials to tell stories. These items can reinforce the photo, making a stronger piece. The Alger Series of shadow boxes was my first series with a continuous theme. Utilizing book covers from Horatio Alger
So back in 2000, this wonderful building became available as a setting. I had noticed it many times in the past since it was close to a popular restaurant. I loved its architectural style. Like so many buildings in the city its abandoned status caused concern. Then suddenly, makeshift barriers and fencing went up and
Cemeteries carry a negative and morbid perception to most people. Beneath the obvious reasons there exists esoteric beauty. The solitude, landscaping and architectural variations provide an almost limitless backdrop for photography. Therefore, a frequent choice for my work. Older cemeteries are the best. Victorian cemeteries are even better! Finding these classic locations, you’ll quickly see
My preferred location is one that is off the beaten path or hidden. Or places that hide in plain view. I feel an affinity toward the forgotten for there is concealed beauty beyond the flashing lights. It’s exciting to find these gems because they are so transitory. Their beauty, like a blooming flower, can disappear
The image that prefaces this post is one of the first male figurative photographs I ever took. Accomplished at my school’s studio, it was a nervous attempt to reckon with my sexual awakening. This was the early ’80’s, when the male nude still elicited strange looks and whispers. But it felt appropriate. As a shy
I’m so bad at maintaining any semblance of a timeline. This post is basically an addendum to the past May 6th feature. I don’t know if my model had any idea of the lengths I’d go through or the scary post-apocalyptic settings he’d have to trudge through to get these amazing shots. In spite of
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