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Her work is a bright, colorful reflection of a nostalgic era. But don't be fooled. BonnieLand is by no means period work. This is a modern tapestry, skillfully woven with humor and lightheartedness. Refreshing compositions are presented without concern for rules that dictate the appearance of the world around us. Gaze at a woman dressed in red as she strolls with leashed dogs -- then notice that the dogs are TVs. Or, stumble across a couple taking mid-noon tea on top of a tall hedge. It is as fanciful as nursery rhymes dressed in smart outfits. It may take more than BonnieLand to change the world, but a happy smile is no-doubt a step in the right direction. How would you define your style? Alice in BonnieLand. It's a nice place where no one wants to leave, you should visit sometime... What inspires you? Love, animals, things we would do if we didn't have to be responsible. The great outdoors with all the comforts of my studio. How's that? Explain the great outdoors with the comforts of your studio? Control outside is just an illusion, but in my studio I have complete control to create an outdoors that will make you believe you can feel the sunshine.
I'm a literalist. In my head I see things in a very literal way. For example, the phrase, "There is never enough time" to me is a guy coaxing more sand into an hourglass. I see the phrase, "If life hands you lemons make lemonade" as lemons fall from the sky and, of course, there just happen to be a juicer, a beautiful guy playing catcher, and an umbrella to protect you from being pelted. What made you choose photography? I didn't, it chose me. I always knew I was going to do something creative I just didn't know what. I couldn't play music, draw, paint, sing or sculpt. I thought, "Oh, sure you're going to become something creative... there aren't any more fields left!" So I became an RN on an oncology floor. A few years later I borrowed my friend's camera when I went backpacking through Europe and from the very first roll I was utterly hooked. I've been happily addicted ever since. What is your take on the digital era? Having a completely digital studio... I love it! Now I am free to spend countless hours in front of my computer (literally, not sarcastically). But, of course, the pay off is so much more control... and isn't that what we are all looking for? Not to sound like a control freak or anything, I just want my images to look as good as they do in my mind. And here is the blatant attempt to stroke... I cut my production time by almost half by using my Wacom tablet.... Hello... Wacom? But in all seriousness, I cannot imagine life without it. Do advances in technology affect your style, or do those advances simply make your look easier to achieve? Obviously having a style that incorporates compositing blossoms with all the new advances in the market. Photoshop and digital capture are the new frontiers. This new technology allows you to create and expand your style without spending a lot of money on film developing and scanning. With that said, I believe at the end of the day we are paid for the ideas in our head (or the art directors) and our ability to execute them. I suppose you can say I am one of the lucky ones who get paid to play. I don't know if that answered your question, yes the advances make it easier but you spend a career mastering that technology.
Creative problem solving and elbow grease. I surround myself with talented people who understand my style. My father was a builder and he always used to say use the right tool for the right job and you will get it done faster, easier and better. I'd like to think that makes a recipe for fun. But, to address the limited budget question, some projects are done for the shear love of the resulting imagery and some are very good at paying the bills, I welcome both. Who has influenced you the most? Alice in Wonderland... oh, you mean real people... John Guarente, Kutlu, and Tim Burton. What have you been working on recently? I just finished shooting Target's pet department campaign. I love working with them, and all the animals are a hoot.
Animals will literally work for food, and both need a clothing stylist. What would be your dream assignment? I'd love to shoot for Barney's... BonnieLand can always use more beautiful shoes and clothes. 13. What is in the future for you? I hope smiles... from my crew, my clients, and myself. Maybe commercials... - Contributed by Michael Primbsch >> See other member spotlights on the member spotlight index >> Find out more on how to become an altpick.com member |
