Because photography is traditionally thought of as representing reality, I have been interested in making photographs that challenge this assumption. I try to create structure, order and unity within the picture frame even though the photograph is not about a particular time and place. Much as a painter would, I start with a blank surface, forming a variety of shapes made of Mylar. After considering which is the best perspective from which to photograph the still life, I set up my 4" x 5" view camera. Because the lighting for these reflective surfaces needs to be indirect, once my point of view is established, I am able to add the colors with selectively placed lights and colored gels. Experimenting with how color can influence emotions is fascinating to me as I try to evoke a particular response on the part of the viewer. With the forms suggesting subject matter I choose the colors for each image to express a given mood. The scene is then photographed using Kodak Portra160 NC sheet film. The final images are unmanipulated 16 x 20" archival digital prints.
