My grandmother’s house displayed an array of Victorian furniture, presided over by a large mirror framed in carved mahogany replete with gilt grapevines. My mentor in photography, Gail Russell, lived in a mock-Tudor house, with walls boasting Pre-Raphaelite images. It was she who instructed me in the historic art of toning and handpainting photographs. The tactile aspects of these “alternative” photo processes have provided a lasting and powerful influence upon my work.
Five years ago, good fortune landed me in an early 1900’s studio on New York’s Union Square, complete with a north-facing skylight. The warm illumination filing this space renewed my former interest in natural light portraiture and has resulted in the Victorian portfolio shown here.
As I commenced shooting, I began to imagine an earlier artist who might have occupied my space, also, perhaps, a photographer. According to my imaginings, this artist was English and successful enough to visit and photograph Roman ruins and Papal Gardens. When back in England, he photographed gardens and landscapes and the odd portrait. These images formed the mainstay of his portfolio and were sold through a few well placed galleries.
It was in New York, however, that this unmarried photographer began to concentrate his portraiture on male subjects.
The portraits seen here I imagine as this earlier aritst’s found portfolio that I have “happened” to unearth. While my work is imbued with nostalgic thoughts and aesthetics, it also reflects my own circumstance, that of an older gay man who recalls past desires and is still filled with longings for the glow of youthful skin illuminated by natural light.
All Victorian images are limited editions which can be purchased through CLAMPART. The images are listed in “Inventory” under my name. All other images on view at this website are available through the website.
Clampart.com
