Twelve Benches and Six Trees on Central Park East Metal Print

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I came up with the idea to photograph the benches for a block or two as I headed south on Central Park East, away from the Guggenheim. Each bench, while similar, contained many differences such as the patches of missing paint, degree of warp affecting the boards, cast aside debris, and the cobblestones that lay in front of it. Visualizing these similar objects, exiting in similar yet subtly different spaces, highlights the power of comparison and the power of subtlety. While walking along I noticed the trees that also line the border of the street and the park. The root systems of these large, old trees have been slowly disturbing the cobblestone arrangements for decades. Adding these images to the mix shows how man-made objects (the benches and ornamental cobblestone sidewalk) are altered over time by human use as well as by nature. I felt this showed the power of time, whether the result of man's hand or nature's.

"[...] sensitive, classical photography. The images seem to have been steeped in sentimentalism." I was born in Southern New Jersey on the edge of the Pine Barrens. After growing up in a somewhat rural area I decided a change of scenery was in order, so I moved to New York City where I studied photography. My professional career didn't begin until after college, where I worked photographing architecture and construction sites as well as the occasional portrait. I've always been interested in telling stories whether it's the story of a place, a person or simply describing a moment. Photography has been the best method for me to seek out and tell the stories of the world around me. I have since relocated back to New Jersey to enjoy a...