Last spring I went back to Iowa to celebrate my Grandpa Dick’s 90th Birthday. I was so inspired by my Grandpa, how full of life, independent and healthy he is at 90 years old. He only takes one aspirin a day (no other medication) he lives alone in his tidy home, he still drives and has a worm farm in his basement. Most importantly he fishes everyday even in the dead of winter! I am often so busy shooting for others that I don’t remember to shoot just for me. While visiting my Grandpa I became very inspired by his happy simple life and wanted to capture it. While Jon was busy packing our bags for us to leave for the airport, I fell into a photo "trance". I was going crazy with my camera photographing the sweet little details of my Grandpa’s home. "Why in the world are you taking a picture of that?" I heard as I focused in on his chair where he sits every morning and eats wheat toast and jam. "I love this chair Grandpa, it’s so cool", he giggled in response. Then I gave him all the proof he needed that I really was a crazy artist, when I turned around and focused in on his dirty dish towels. He just didn’t understand the magic I saw in his daily life.
While reviewing my images from Iowa I was reminded of the work of photographer Keith Carter. His work has been a major influence and inspiration to me. I was lucky enough to take a workshop from him in 1999 and to have him review my portfolio. He shoots with a Hasselbland and often uses selective focus. Looking through the pages of his website I think his Selection of Unpublished Work is so beautiful! I bought myself an early Christmas present and ordered a DVD documenting his career. Carter is know as the "Poet of the Ordinary" He finds beauty in everyday life. He focuses on the small details. He doesn’t over complicate photography. This is what I strive for.
"I think there is a element of magic in photography–light,chemistry,precious metals–a certain alchemy. You can wield a camera like a magic wand almost. Murmur the right words and you can conjure up a poof of a dream. I believe in wonder. I look for it in my every day; I find it in the most ordinary things."
-Keith Carter
photographer
