As a photographer I lead my way by words written by William Shakespeare: all the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. My purpose is to photograph people and I know of no more fitting way to meet the modern people of the world than by capturing one moment in their lives. The art of picture taking allows me to tell a story and to explore human nature, cultures and their surroundings.

 

In formal terms, my current work: The Cherokee Place is an exploration of the Riverside Tenements and it’s inhabitants. “In 1909, Mrs. W. K. Vanderbilt Sr. put up $1 million dollars to build the Shively Sanitary Tenements, otherwise known as the Vanderbilt Model Tenements (now called The Cherokee), in an attempt to combat the growing problem of tuberculosis in New York City. At the turn of the century, urban families were crammed into small, dark apartments, the perfect breeding ground for the white plague.” Hundred years later the times have changed. Tuberculosis is no longer a threat like it used to be and what was once a building that hosted sick and their families, is now an apartment complex that kept its Beaux Arts architectural charm as if the time stood still. Through the art of picture taking I have captured the essence, which defines the contemporary people and the environment in which they reside showing untouched and/or changed aspects of the building. Apart from solely focusing on the residents I have paid great attention to architectural and interior aspects, elements and details.

 

I consider this body of work to be a merging force that unifies my love for interiors and architecture with my passion for photography.

Artist Statement

The Cherokee Place