I started working on a book project in the fall of 2008 and I work on it when I have time, which unfortunately, is not often with my current work and school schedule. The book is tentatively called "Past Presence" and it is a photo/art book project that I intend to self publish. It is truly a project for the fun of it more than anything else and it allows me to indulge in two of my favorite hobbies: photography and digital manipulation.
The concept of the book is to take figures and creatures of myth and legend form a variety of cultures (merfolk, satyrs, fauns, vampires, deities and the like) and to put them into a modern day setting. For example, if the Greek god Pan were alive and on the Earth today - where might he be?
In one idea I had, I placed him as an urban minstrel in a subway tunnel - clothed in jeans but with his horns and cloven feet intact...
The photo of the model was taken against a chroma green screen in my photo studio and then I placed it on a stock image of a urban subway tunnel covered with graffiti. A bit of light and shadow magic in photoshop, the addition of hooved feet and my "Urban Pan" image was finished.Here are some other images that I have created for the book:
A vampire in an alley...
Isis, a goddess of Egypt as well as the Greco-Roman world...
My idea of the phoenix...derived from a tattoo the model had of a phoenix on his back, actually.
The 'Yuki-Onna' or Snow Woman of Japanese mythology...
...and of course - a merman...
I still have a number of concepts to explore and develop for the book and so far, it has been a fun and interesting project.
Patrick,
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing images. You should definitely publish this book. People will buy it. I'm going to get you autograph my copy!
Seeing your blog, I was also inspired to make a blog about a personal interest over my job.
Heather
Hi Patrick,
ReplyDeleteI love how you aren't just good at photography but the manipulation allows you to put your wonderful creativity to work. Love the merman idea!
Steve Quann
Hi Pat,
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazingly creative mind you have, along with the technical skills you need to bring those ideas to the rest of us.
I especially loved the Snow Woman of Japanese mythology and would love to know the story that goes with it.
Edna
Wow Pat. Your work is beautiful and so creative. I like your fish at the top of your blog. I also liked your photos with the cake you made. You are extremely talented. My sister does beautiful cakes too. She will be impressed.
ReplyDeleteGena
Hi Patrick,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I think your work is amazing. I am also very much into digital photography and photo manipulation (in my free time) and I love your concept. I hope you get to finish this book.
Jessica
I agree with everyone else here! My goodness, your work is awesome. I can't wait to see more!
ReplyDelete-Ananda