Art Director - Albert Tang/Simon Schuster Publishing
Stylist - Sarah Guido/Halley Resources
Albert commissioned me to shoot a book cover about food and global warming. This version did not make the cover.
These are images from the show, Side Effects May Include, that took place at the Institute of Contemporary Art San Jose from March - June, 2017.
It is a photography-based installation, a "pill" bedroom that explores the disconnection between mental health challenges and medication; more specifically poly-pharmacy. This project was inspired by my sister who took her life with a cocktail of pharmaceuticals after suffering with bi-polar disorder for many years. Following her death, I collected the contents of her medicine cabinet. The pills in this project belonged to her. I wondered if the medications were responsible for her demise and this concern led me in a photographic exploration that ended with experiential artwork in the mind-set of activist.
During my stay at the Rauschenberg Residency in Captiva, Florida in 2015, I was struck by the abundance of natural beauty; not the expected colorful and verdant landscape in that part of South Florida, but the rich brown hues in the flora and fauna of the preserve in which I resided. Despite frequent rains and high humidity, which aids in the growth of lush vegetation, the weather of the island of Captiva is quite punishing. The high heat, often strong winds and the harsh relentless sun that seems to permeate the smallest of crevices, all work toward rapid aging of everything in its path. It was this particular beauty that inspired the traditional still lifes for this project. I find poetry in the moments where youth is clearly absent, where the elements have frayed and the color is spotted with subtle shades of brown, a sign of resolute fruition.
Everywhere there were reminders that life is constantly moving forward without regard to creation or its demise. Evidence was found in a dried palm that seems to lean to a direction in sad decay, a large seashell ravaged by time looking more like bone than shell, the insect stopped dead in it's tracks by the overwhelming heat or lack of hydration; the impermanence reflecting the beauty of all that nature will endure.
Stylist - Tamara Staples
I made this work around Halloween. I was more in love with the glass than the drink it turns out.
Stylist - Tamara Staples
These images were meant to represent vulnerability, insecurity and loneliness. This test was made during a period of mourning and inspired Side Effects May Include.
Art Director - Tamara Staples
Stylist - Derek Ellis/LinkNYLA
I love stores devoted to all things hair. There are so many things one can do with hair, so much promise, and so much accoutrement.
Art Director - Milo Bozic/Harper Collins
Stylist - Wendy Schelah/Halley Resources
I was commissioned by Milo to shoot the cover for Joe Dolce’s book Brave New Weed. The former editor-in-chief of Details adventures into the fascinating "brave new world" of cannabis, tracing its history and possible future as he investigates the social, medical, legal, and cultural ramifications of this surprisingly versatile plant.
Art Director/Make Up - Brian Duprey
Two fun days in the studio, inspired by Marilyn Minter.
Art Director/Stylist - Tamara Staples
This test was inspired by book designer Alvin Lustig. He incorporated everyday objects to inspire and inform his work, and yet he made magic from those few simple elements.
Art Director/Stylist - Tamara Staples
The idea for this test was to shop local dollar stores and pharmacies, and let the objects tell the story through color schemes and shapes.
Art Director - John Dixon
Stylist - Tamara Staples
I came to know about the chickens through my uncle, a lifelong hobbyist. I was struck by the variety of shapes and colors of the birds, but I was moved by the individual personalities. My intent in photographing these birds was to create a portrait. I have great respect for their profound history, the utilitarian aspect of their physiology, and the care and passion that goes into the breeding of each variety.
At poultry shows all over the world, known as The Fancy, chickens of all shapes, colors and sizes await their judgment. There is an existing framework, a culture really, that aims to perfect these birds by breeding them based on a book entitled, The Standard of Perfection. These birds are something to behold, and few outside of The Fancy even know of their existence. Each breeder has spent years creating a work of art, where genetics is key. And each bird IS a work of art; from the amount of toes on each foot to the width of the wingspan, from the precise color to the exact weight. Judges carefully inspect every detail. But there is also something else: Personality. Chickens can be haughty, angry, affectionate, shy, charming, sedate, or even funny. In this project, not only do I introduce these regal birds, bred to a standard that most will never match, but I also attempting to capture the individuality of each bird. Just like people, chickens are unique. Take a look into the eyes of these birds and judge for yourselves.
My chicken portraits were the subject of two books: The Fairest Fowl, 2001, The Magnificent Chicken, 2013, both through Chronicle Books. This work has been featured on NPR’s This American Life, CNN, The New York Times and and in other media worldwide.
Art Director - Tamara Staples
Stylist - Derek Ellis/LinkNYLA
Color and shape was the point of this test.
Art Direction /Stylist - Tamara Staples
A test combining products in a color scheme.
Art Director/Stylist - Jenny Carrow/FSG
An opportunity to shoot candy is always a thrill. It’s so colorful and textural, and the snacks are delicious. I was commissioned by Senior Designer Jenny Carrow (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) to create this candy perfection. The approved cover is on top. Apparently there were objections to the yellow background. The fork shots were another cool idea but didn’t make the cover.
Stylist - Tamara Staples/Angela Campos
This test was inspired by my then toddler, who was choosing junk foods over healthy options. The combination plates were based on the USDA food chart.
Art Director - Jarrod Taylor
Stylist -Victoria Maiolo/Pat Bates Agency
Jarrod commissioned me to shoot this awesomely fun project for Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. It didn't make the cover but we had lots of laughs throughout.
Stylist - Julie Flynn/Halley Resources
A commission for Short Hills Mall that never ran in the catalogue. The art direction went another route. For me, the architectural aspect is intriguing.
Art Director: Charlotte Strick, Claire Williams/Strick&Williams
I am always thrilled when the design dynamo, Stick&Williams, commission me to work on a project. The design problem for the first two images was unique in that they wanted to put together a teaser for a book cover, instead of the actual cover. The solution was, just like Charlotte and Claire: beautiful, smart, creative.
Ms. Engels/Cries for Help, Various/ Harper Collins
Am I Alone Here?/Catapult Publishing
Brooklyn based Lisa “Toots” Hamilton is not your typical jewelry designer. She finds inspiration from the unusual: children’s baby teeth, doll parts or branches. This collection was made specifically for the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.
First 3 Images
Reich Paper Company
Art Director/Designer - John Stilow/Stislow Design
Stylist - Derek Ellis/LinkNYLA
Last 4 Image
Neenah Paper Company
Creative Director /Stylist- Craig Bailey
Art Director/Stylist - Tamara Staples
I love springtime rituals. This test was inspired by the fashion, the color, the candy, and the promise of warm days.
Art Direction - Tamara Staples
Stylist - Derek Ellis/LinkNYLA
Fun test in the studio with Derek.
Art Direction - Tamara Staples
Stylist - Derek Ellis/LinkNYLA
I am obsessed with these high heeled sneakers. Recently I’ve been shoe shopping and I see these everywhere. Who’s idea was it to take a comfortable shoe and make it uncomfortable. Nike really knows how to break the rules. Derek Ellis and I went into the studio with these two colorful shoes and matching poster board; this is the result.
Art Direction/Stylist - Tamara Staples
I love Vince Camuto‘s jewelry. It’s dramatic and most of all, fun. Vince, call me!
Art Director - Milo Bozic/Harper Collins
Stylist - Sarah Gudio/Halley Resources
This project came to me through art director extraodinaire Milan Bozic, Harper Collins. Set builder, Sarah Guido knocked this one out of the park! This behind the scenes image shows the scale and the preparation that went into this beautiful shot.
Art Director - Tamara Staples
Stylist - Derek Ellis/LinkNYLA
k.d. Lang’s Constant Cravings was written when she was in the process of becoming a non-smoker. As a former smoker, I pine away for a smoke like a long lost love. I’ve always known it was cool to smoke, but romance came with distance.
Art Director - Stephanie Huntwork/Potter Crafts
Stylist - Derek Ellis/LinkNYLA
I was introduced to Adventure Time by my son, but it’s not just for kids, which is too strange and complicated to explain here. I was thrilled to be able to work on a book of crafts inspired by the characters of the cartoon. Bonus: my son was impressed!
