How do you enhance and elevate ordinary, everyday objects (toothpaste, a head of lettuce, plastic cutlery, etc.) for your still-life images?

I had a great professor in college, Bill Gaskins, who said, shoot what you know. I took that to heart. I like to create environments and use objects I think get overlooked for their complexity. I enjoy rethinking how I see the mundane. Playing with color, texture, and lighting helps me reimagine my surroundings. It’s easy to make an amazing image when you have a massive budget, the best lighting/models, etc. You have to get creative when you only have a potato and an iPhone.

When in comparison, how do your portraits and still-life photos correlate thematically or differ?

I try to bring a sense of humor to all my work. When shooting people, it is incredibly important to me that my subject feels safe and cared for. So I try and keep the mood light, giggly, and playful. I approach still life in a similar way. Find a subject I think is interesting, sketch out a bunch of ideas, and build a shoot. I love all my subjects and want them to be celebrated through my pictures.

Can you point to a specific era or individual that has influenced your work?

I draw so much influence from my friends. Their work varies from music to painting to performance to ceramics to writing to cooking. I think my work is a product of that collective energy. Dan Flavin, Catherine Opie, Ana Mendieta, Eva Hesse, and Felix Gonzalez-Torres are a few artists that have left a profound impact on me personally.

In your own words, what are the defining features and characteristics of your photographic style?

I love color and texture. I want to cover everything in liquid, it seems. I like to confuse the viewer a bit. I think of my work as temporary sculptures I make for the camera. I want all the people I photograph to feel happy and held.

Describe your creative process in one word.

Silly.

If you could teach a one-hour class on anything, what would it be?

Cooking is how I show my love for others. I think teaching a class on how to make a lasagna would be incredibly fun.

What was the last book you read or film you saw that inspired you?

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado is a fantastic memoir. I recently watched the Sopranos. The cinematography and wardrobe are a pure delight.