Artist Statement:
In my book, City in The Woods, my intent was to contrast elements of nature with man-made objects, the intent was to show how no matter the location, nature is always present in our everyday lives. Additionally, I wanted to capture how humans in large part have overwhelmed nature.
Much of my inspiration for this book came from professional photographer, Martin Parr. Parr has focused on pointing out commercialism in our everyday lives. One of the places that I have personally found overwhelming commercialism is nature, so I wanted to capture that in a no satirical way.
https://www.blurb.com/bookstore/invited/9151167/8dbebd117b5b89ab46cecc0465752dfdd23c8eaa
I really enjoyed looking at your photo book and thought your concept for the book was very interesting and came across very well in the photos you took and chose. All of your photographs show some element of nature in relation to man-made objects in various perspectives. I found the way in which you took each photo from a very unique point of view the most impressive part of the book. It made each page very dynamic and effective. My favorite pages were 5 and 6 of the tree trunk and electrical tower. These were my favorites due to the way they were taken from a worm’s eye view or from the ground looking directly up. This was particularly effective in these two cases due to the long composition of the subject. The perspective allows the tree and the tower to be elongated making a more interesting image. I also like how you placed them next to each other to contrast the similarities between the natural subject and the man-made subject both seen in the same areas. I thought you did an excellent job in the creation of this book pertaining to your idea. I do think, however, the use of some black and white photos could have added to the power of the images and book.
I love your representation of architecture, from beautiful facades of the city, to the mundanity of abandoned shacks, I think you were successful in light of juxtaposition, whether that be the comparison of man-made structures and nature, or the very essence of old and new structures. You mentioned nature being overwhelmed within the presence of man-made structures. I think you did a good job in representing nature growing near one of these structures, and becoming inundated by their inevitable placement and positioning. Overall, very successful portrayal of your two compelling subjects.
-Kerem
The juxtapositions of the telephone pole and tree shot from below, and the kite and bird work well. Some pairs, like the motorcycle and grill are a little less clear.
I like natural elements in your book. The deer and the bird are my favorite part that’s very impressive you were able to capture those two things. Overall. I think you did a good job with your comparison of two things.