One of the joys of photography is being able to collaborate in inspiring ways with other artists. I am particularly fascinated by artists who work in other mediums. Painting, fibre arts, and sculpting all seem magical to me, creating tangible, expressive works using physical materials and methods. I enjoy learning more about the techniques that make such art possible, and it is a delight to use my skills to document the finished pieces.
Earlier this year I had the honour of providing photography for a local sculptor, Weldon Neufeld of Treevival. His skilful wood carvings highlight the beautiful natural details in the salvaged materials we works with.
“I started Treevival as a way to combine my love of design with a desire to salvage materials that would’ve otherwise been burned or thrown away, turning them into works that are functional, beautifiul and made to be cherished.
Much of what I make is turned on a wood lathe. Each piece is carefully shaped to expose unique markings and anomalies. These characteristics remind me of our human condition and that we all bear the scars of life. Not defects, but things that make each of us who we are.” – Weldon Neufeld / Treevival
I photographed a selection of Treevival carvings using a simple studio setup. With two lights and a variety of reflectors, I was able to explore their nuanced textures, colours and elegant forms. As I’d rotate each piece, new juxtapositions of refined and raw details would emerge.
So many of Weldon’s sculptures hold subconsiously familiar shapes, even if at first glance it may appear to be a simply shaped piece of wood. I particularly enjoyed the rich natural colours and contrasting painted inner surface of a bowl that conveys a sense of fragility, like a broken egg.
Other pieces bring into play richly pigmented colours that highlight the natural grain and irregularities of the wood.
The goal was to create a collection of images to illustrate the skill and philosophy behind Weldon’s work. These photographs are composed to be useful for a variety of illustrative and documentation purposes. By including various angles and frames with generous negative space, I was able to deliver a versatile visual record of the sculptures.
This kind of photographic work is deeply satisfying, as it draws on techniques that I have developed in my still life studies, while working with the artistic intentions of other skilled disciplines. I hope to explore more of these collaborations in the future, documenting the amazing creativity of other artists.
