Artist Statement:

Life Eternal is a photographic compilation that spans the past five years. In thinking about what drives me photographically, I have discovered that I am drawn to the mundane processes of others and the objects we all use. Although these events or places may appear boring to most, placed within the right setting and light, they can become fascinating, appealing, and exquisite. Therefore, by giving the situation a purpose, life becomes beautiful.

Establishing an overall creative vision for this project is primarily set upon a personal shooting style. As mentioned, shooting the mundane every day is what draws me to photography. To accomplish a discreet persona, a journalistic photographic style is required. Although not always, a small rangefinder camera is a requisite tool. Keeping a watchful eye on the scenes around me requires mobility and haste, reinforcing the need for a small, lightweight camera.

An equivalent mark of concern is the lighting seen within each image, for I am thoroughly convinced that lighting is the soul contribution to the image and seeing the beauty within. Adding to the fascination, I set the composition upon stages or settings where the object is behind glass—windows through which you, the viewer, can look into moments of others’ daily rituals. I found it important to capture the scene without being seen or perceived as an intruder of space, therefore allowing the person or persons to remain natural in their execution of daily acts.

In viewing this collection, I encourage the viewer to reflect upon their own life and to find the beauty within their own everyday mundane moments. As you do so, I would ask that you look for connections within these images to those personal moments of interest. Search deeply, for you will come to realize that those small things have a greater relation to the occasions of others, marking beauty, refinement, and artistry.