Culch.ie

*Your images are so vivid, there’s something very surreal about them, a little like being caught in a nightmare.  How do you come up with ideas? Do you carry a sketchbook for when inspiration strikes? How does the process from initial concept to the final creation evolve?

My ideas are focused on universal fears, things we can all relate to.  I try to remain sensitive to what frightens me.  I also pay attention to what frightens my children.

I don’t make sketches.  Instead, I write a treatment – a short description of what the photograph will be.  It may be years before a concept goes into actual production.

*Violence and  fear are central themes in your images but uou use your own daughters in your work.  Do you find it difficult to use the girls in your darker shots such as WOLF and CLOSET? Do you let them see the final production?

Some of the images have a subtext of child predation, including WOLF and CLOSET.   The Wolf is a metaphorical stand-in for a sexually predatory male.  At the time I made those images, it seemed important to me to stress that subtext.  I had no audience, and no compulsion to censor myself.  I just did what I felt the shot required.

I used to try to hide my work from my daughters.  By now, they’ve seen everything I’ve made, so I no longer try.  They are very proud to be in these photographs.

*BASEMENT is probably my favourite piece but what pieces of your own are you most proud of?

BASEMENT best captures the feel that I’m going for.  My other favorites include CANDY, BEDSIDE, and HANDS.

*If you could claim any movie or book as your own, what would it be and why?

I dunno.  ERASERHEAD maybe?  I love the images in that film.

*I notice you have cast some necklaces bearing your work. What inspired you to branch into jewellery and do you intend to extend the range?

My girlfriend makes amazing custom jewelry with her company The Strychnine Sisters. I wanted to do something with her.  I do intend to shoot new images that will only be used as jewelry.