Looking through my early sketches for this project, I came across one I made for a photograph to be taken from above, of an unusually small room with a figure lying on a bed within, looking in the direction of a window. The scale of the room would mean that the bed took up most of the space, with very little extra floor space available. There would be a narrative, in that the person, a woman, would be on the phone, or reading, or staring whistfully out of her window. I initially envisaged it being part of the story of my film, in which a man isolates himself but still attempts to have some sort of relationship, or even love affair using technology. However looking at it now, out of context, I am drawn to the potential stillness of the image, and it's unconventional and slightly voyeuristic point of view. It also has that 'doll's house' element which I picked up on earlier with the example of Wes Anderson's explicit breaking down of the 'fourth wall'.
I followed up this idea and made a set in my friend's workshop (he is a carpenter) using mostly recycled materials and freestanding wall units which he makes as part of his business. For the decor and props I intentionally chose quite old items and a colour scheme that would not be specific to any place. I found books, knick-knacks, and old phone, and picture frames in my grandmother's garage.
Contact sheets for my 'small room' shoot
I took the photos on film, on my medium-format Bronica. I like shooting on film partly for the slowness and careful consideration of each shot but also for its aesthetic quality. Another reason, is that ultimately I would like to try experimenting with an installation idea whereby I can utilise positive (slide) film, however for now I am simply making some test shoots to develop my idea further.
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| A photo of the 'set' |
