This document reflects my artistic vision and philosophy, outlining the principles that guide my photographic work: bridging the subconscious, embracing imperfection, and fostering a deep connection with the viewer. Each section explores how these ideas manifest, inviting the viewer into a world that is both strange and familiar, intimate and elusive.
I. The Subconscious Made Tangible
My work in the Inside World Puppet Theater gives form to the shadows of the mind—those unspoken parts of ourselves that flicker below the surface. My photography becomes a bridge between the inner landscape and the tangible world—each image a visual expression of the subconscious, where intuition guides me without premeditation. This is akin to the Zen principle of mushin—a state of no-mind where creativity flows naturally, free of the constraints of conscious effort.
II. Creation Over Consumption
I am a creator, not a collector. To create—bringing something into existence that wasn’t there before—is essential to my sense of self. My work is about intentional creation, cultivating imagination, and crafting pieces that reflect my experience, rather than merely consuming what already exists. This approach aligns with the Zen practice of kinhin, or walking meditation, where each step is deliberate and mindful. My creative process, similarly, is an act of movement, driven by intention and full awareness, engaging with each moment as it unfolds.
III. The Unstated Narrative
Each photograph is a fragment of a larger, untold story—one that evolves, remains elusive, and unfolds in the viewer’s mind. Rather than dictating a clear narrative, I imply it, allowing viewers to weave their own interpretations. The photos tap into a deeper subconscious layer than any one narrative can summarize. They tap into the place where all narratives come from, an interconnected, ongoing, incomplete story that we all contribute to. There is a beauty in what is incomplete, a resonance in what is transient and evolving. The Zen concept of ensō embodies the beauty of imperfection and the acceptance of change, leaving space for what is unfinished to speak for itself.
IV. Continuity Through Repetition
My work is a world built on both consistency and the unfinished. Recurring motifs—puppets, props, and familiar objects—find new expressions across different photographs, evolving in their context and significance. These elements are reimagined, sometimes taking on new roles or interacting differently within each scene, creating a sense of continuity while also contributing to an evolving narrative. This process embodies shoshin, the Zen principle of maintaining a beginner’s mind—seeing these repeated elements with fresh eyes each time, and uncovering new layers of meaning in what might appear familiar, allowing the known to become a source of constant discovery.
V. The Viewer as an Insider
I want my viewers to feel like they have gained intimate access to a hidden world—a theater of the strange and half-hidden. The fragmented, partially revealed objects across my photographs invite viewers to trace hidden connections, unraveling the mystery behind the curtain. This participatory engagement reflects the Zen notion of kensho—a direct experience or insight that comes from active exploration, where understanding is reached not through explanation, but through the viewer’s own discovery.
VI. Objects of Memory and Meaning
The objects I choose to photograph are often humble, overlooked, sometimes decaying or dilapidated, and without inherent value. Yet, they carry deep personal meaning, becoming relics of memory. Through my photography, these discarded fragments transform into something significant, an embodiment of the past and the present converging. This transformation reflects the Zen idea of mono no aware—an appreciation of the beauty found in the fleeting, the poignant awareness of the impermanence of all things, finding meaning in what is transient and often disregarded.
VII. Embracing Imperfection
Our personal frontier takes us to places that lie beyond perfection. I embrace the flaws, asymmetries, and rough edges that emerge in the process of making art because they reflect the genuine, human experience. These imperfections invite viewers to connect on an emotional level, recognizing the beauty in what is raw, real, and vulnerable. These imperfections are a testament to authenticity—a rejection of polished beauty in favor of something raw and real. This mirrors the Zen concept of fukinsei—the beauty of asymmetry and irregularity, celebrating the organic, unrefined essence of creation. By embracing imperfection, my work stands true in its raw form, inviting the viewer to engage without pretense.
This is my work: an exploration of what lies beneath, a series of half-glimpsed moments. It is an invitation to enter the backroom, to linger among the forgotten and the deeply personal—an unfolding story left unfinished for those willing to step inside. By embracing the natural flow of creativity, I offer my viewers not just an image, but an experience—an opportunity to engage with the raw, unfiltered pulse of imagination.