If you knew you would never return to your house, but strangers would go inside and learn about you from what they see, what would you leave out and what would you hide?
Things We Leave Behind was photographed inside a deceased man's house. He was a hoarder. What you see here is a recreation of his home on his last day on earth.
Creepy is the word I use for describing the feeling on the first day of shooting. I was wondering if the ghost of this man would punish me for...
more »If you knew you would never return to your house, but strangers would go inside and learn about you from what they see, what would you leave out and what would you hide?
Things We Leave Behind was photographed inside a deceased man's house. He was a hoarder. What you see here is a recreation of his home on his last day on earth.
Creepy is the word I use for describing the feeling on the first day of shooting. I was wondering if the ghost of this man would punish me for intruding. I only photographed large sections of the rooms, afraid that if I inspected too closely, it would be overly invasive.
Each time I returned, I gave myself permission to study his belongings more intently. I began to know him, and strangely, liked him. Sure, he had his issues; who doesn't. The house was a filthy, chaotic mess, complete with insects and evidence of rodents, but what he had in that house was interesting. His bookshelf revealed someone who loved music, literature, and visual arts. He was searching for love and a reason for existence. Just like the rest of us.
I had to buy a $500 shed to house the mice and insect infested belongings. I told an art critic that I must be crazy for becoming a hoarder of a hoarder. She responded with "you're not crazy, you're an artist."
There is one more step to this exhibit, and I need your help. Please become part of this project. Sit on the couch and be filmed answering the question: If you knew you would never return to your house, but strangers would go inside and learn about you from what they see, what would you leave out and what would you hide? Your answer will be compiled and shown during this exhibit and the next two scheduled in March at Biola University, La Mirada, and in June at Fellows of Contemporary Art.
Things We Leave Behind is a question of legacy. What is yours?
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