I spoke to an artist once and he said, one thing that fascinates him is space. Whether it's emptiness or filled to the brim, the concept that a thing, person, or idea is meant to occupy an area designated for it... or better yet, something misplaced. Reading through Roy's fascination with benches or seats made me recall that interaction with said artist whom I thought was a little too out there. And then I realize, space is also about imagination. And in photography, we all need that spark of imagination to be able to conjure up meaningful images that reflect a story.... even if it's with our own perceived narratives. - Aislinn
Hi I'm Roy and my unique subject to photograph would be benches, chairs, stools. Looking through my album, I always seem to be drawn to the lone bench, a chair, or even a shadow of a chair.
I seem to have a fascination to its unusual form and symmetry. Questions like, how can something so utilitarian be beautiful at the same time. How can something so simple but can be pleasant to the eyes as well.
I do show people photographs. So, yes my shots of these chairs and benches would usually be there in the mix. But they don't get the same attention as other photos that I have taken. However, the best comments that I usually get about a photograph comes from photos of chairs and benches, as they would compliment the light, the tonality and range of the grays and the blacks, specific composition... and that is quite nice.
Nailing the perfect shot is really elusive for me. Being a film user and a lazy one to boot, it takes me almost forever to have my films developed, and takes a lot more to have them scanned. That is why my first reaction would be of total surprise, as I totally forgot what it felt like when I took the shot. Maybe its what they call your emotional separation from the scene, as what they said Winogrand** did to his negatives.
** Garry Winogrand was a well known master street photographer from the Bronx, New York. Through 1928-1984, his work was universally revered as some the finest (and fearless) in street photography along side his contemporaries such as Diane Arbus. Winogrand is well known for his "in-your-face" photography, which takes him as close as possible to the chaotic action and interaction with his subjects. He said, "When I'm photographing, I see life. And that's what I deal with." When he died, Winogrand left behind 6,500 undeveloped rolls of film.
5) What advice can you give anyone who find themselves uninspired in photography
To those who feel uninspired, you don't need to chase it. In the end, it will just burn and frustrate you. Instead allow it to come to you naturally. Do not be fettered as to any definition of photography or body of work needs to fall into, otherwise it will literally place your creativity in a straighjacket.
And also, take photos for yourself. Don't do it to impress other people. It will ruin your relationship with photography.
OBSESSIONS is a new blog series that talks about what fills up rolls and rolls of film from any film photographer. If you want to be featured, send us an e-mail at filmfolk@satchmi.com with the subject "I AM OBSESSED WITH _______".