16 November 2006

Invited guest: Ben Couvillion

At first, I had the intention of writing a longer introduction to Ben Couvillion's photographs. I easily could have, since they speak multitudes. But then I received two paragraphs from Ben himself, elaborating on his photographic practice. Reading it through, I realized that nothing I could ever write would quite match up.

Let me just say this: from the very first time I saw Ben's photographs, I fondly remember his diner booth photo (featured below). It is such a beautiful combination of carefull framing, perfect exposure, wonderful colors, and subtle meaning - easily parallelling other great explorers of things American like Jeff Brouws, William Eggleston, and Chris Verene. I imagine that you, dear reader, will will find your own personal favorite too.

In his own words:

I am easily fascinated - always have been. The bright and sometimes odd colors that exist in seemingly uninteresting environments, and the wear and tear of things. Naturally man-made compositions waiting to be sought out and photographed – places that have become an extension of someone's personality, usually someone I've known – all their things scattered about. I can't get enough of it.

Much of my time making photographs is spent hovering over potential compositions in uncomfortable positions, holding my breath, so I will not shake or startle the image. I don't notice the leg cramps or backpain as I create – just the reversed image of what I'm seeing on my camera's ground glass – continuously fine-tuning what I see until I feel the urge to release the shutter. Then I take a deep breath and start again.

You will find more of Ben's work here.












Invited by
Joakim Sebring.

7 comments:

F said...

Outstanding! I could look at this pictures for a long time. The colors! As it is in the middle of the night here in Sweden I will also return to them tomorrow.

Exposed Material said...

Yes, this gets my attention. Strong, carefully, matched colours in elegant compostions. Very peaceful and contemplative. Great work, Ben!

Anonymous said...

Yes, I like this very much too. Your introduction, your approach to photography, your pictures. What a magnificent show of colours! So vivid and clever!

Jeanette said...

Seems so simple but it isn´t. Fantastic images and eyecatching colours

Jeanette

F said...

Excellent!

I absolutley love the one with the TV and the egg-canvas-coverd-walls...

/Christofer

F said...

As I said before, outstanding! Thank you very much for participating. Now I will check out your webpage. - f. skott

photoben said...

Thank you all very much. I really appreciate all your kind observations of my work.

Ben Couvillion