*On Ripeness and Rot #17 (LEMON AND SQUIRREL*) (2013) ©Kimberly Witham

Text and Images by Kimberly Witham

Interview by Ora Heard

How did your series On Ripeness and Rot come to be?

Leaving New York for a rural area of New Jersey had a huge impact on my work. I went from riding the subway every day to driving for about an hour to work along back roads. I noticed how many “roadkill” creatures I would see on a daily basis. These creatures slowly made their way into my work. At first, I photographed animals where I found them, later I started bringing the creatures back to my studio. I wanted to find a way to immortalize these creatures while bringing attention to their plight. Before becoming a photographer, I studied art history. I always loved Dutch still life paintings. I appropriated the visual language of these paintings for this project. While the birds and small game in traditional still life paintings are presented in scenes “after the hunt” the creatures in my images are the result of human incursion into previously wild areas.

*On Ripeness and Rot #16, (FALL FRUIT)* (2013) ©Kimberly Witham

Were there any challenges that came up while working on this project?

Picking up roadkill is unpleasant and often dangerous. The project also required me to work with whatever I found on a given day. I would call it “forced spontaneity.”

*On Ripeness and Rot #13 (Hanging Birds)* ©Kimberly Witham

You mentioned that you draw inspiration from Dutch still life paintings, is there an artist in particular you gravitate towards?

I love so many. Jan Weenix is a particular favorite as is Melchoir de Hondecoeter.

Describe your creative process in one word?

meticulous

*On Ripeness and Rot #14* (2013) ©Kimberly Witham

What inspires you to pursue image-making?

It sounds cliche, but I have an innate need to create. My parents and siblings have the same trait - we jokingly refer to it as a “creativity disorder.” I visualize photographs that I would like to make when I am waking up in the morning and still half-asleep and when I am out for long runs. I am terrible at sitting still and I am curious by nature. Making photos gives me a way to visualize my thoughts and to make some sense of the world.

*On Ripeness ans Rot #10 (RACCOON)* (2013) ©Kimberly Witham

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

This is not exactly an answer to your question - but I LOVE Wes Anderson’s films. Visually, his use of color is always brilliant. He also very clearly manages every bit of the set and costume design. I get the sense he is completely obsessive, and I can relate.

What advice would you give to people just starting out in photography?

I think the best advice is to make photos that you care about and that you want to see. If you are not interested, no one else will be either. It is also crucial to both listen to criticism and to know when to ignore it. As the saying goes “don’t let anyone steal your joy”

*On Ripeness and Rot #11 (Zinnias and Mole)* ©Kimberly Witham

What is your favorite podcast to listen to?

While I listen to lots of news podcasts (The Daily, NPR Up First, etc) I have to say that “My Dad Wrote A Porno” is pure, ridiculous, fun and the ultimate guilty pleasure.

How do you take your coffee?

With enough cream that it is the color of cardboard.