ARTIST STATEMENT

My goal is to stimulate not manipulate.

I want to provoke thought and emotion through simple, offbeat imagery.

Whether it’s a photograph of a Romanian orphan or a humorous picture depicting our culture’s obsession with beauty, my aim is to make you feel something when looking at my work.

I believe images are one of the greatest influences on society. However, more often than not they are used in a negative way.

The average person sees at least 3000 images every day... driving down the street, in the newspaper, on television. We are bombarded by meaningless images... some harmless and others that reinforce negative attitudes towards women and other members of society.

For example:

It has become acceptable to take a photograph derogatory to women and label it “art” or “fashion.”

We don’t think twice when we see death and destruction on the television or at the movies. The line between reality and make-believe has become blurred.

We are so used to seeing negative imagery that we have become immune to it.

We simply accept it and forget to question.

How many people stop and think about how they are being manipulated?

My projects vary from the serious to the absurd, allowing me to express both my social conscience and my off-beat sense of humor.

Years spent documenting some of the world’s atrocities has lead to a desire to use photography for more than just entertainment.

I am using images in a positive way, trying to bring about social awareness and entertain the viewer at the same time.

WHY? is a book and exhibition using simple, provocative images and questions

to raise awareness of topics such as racism, sexism, war, poverty and fame.

WHY? asks us to stop and think about what is going on in the world today.

WHY? is about educating and provoking thought in a fun and easy format.

AIDS ORPHANS ROMANIA is a book and exhibition showing the atrocities that happen to children in our world and their incredible spirit in the face of adversity.

Not all of my work is aimed at human rights issues...

Projects such as BONDI, HUMAN ANIMAL and THE GREAT AMERICAN WAITRESS are about celebrating the human condition.

Ultimately, I believe photography can be more than just a record, more than just a memory and more than just beauty.

A photograph should stimulate.