When we returned from shooting in Jamaica, my Mother told me that Opa had passed away. He was 97 and he died in his sleep, just like Oma did at 92. Now they will be together again. I envision them with party hats on drinking champagne overlooking the lush countryside. I am sad, of course, but also invigorated to make the most of my short life on this Earth. Among many things, my Opa was an artist- an artist in a closet. He thought it was really cool that I was using his old slides and film to make artwork to be enjoyed- BIG artwork.
I will always wonder what kind of life he would have led had he expressed or revealed his passion for photography on a more public level.
I’m aware that my Dreamscapes may alienate some folks, but I’ve decided to share them anyway. These are two of my first pieces made in 2008: Langoustine With Car and Langoustine In Ashtray. Completely personal messy mind stuff, really. Back story is that I have yet to try a good langoustine dish. I had such high hopes – they’re supposed to taste like a cross between lobster and crab- two of my favorite things. We bought them all over Europe and they disappointed time after time. Dry, fishy- or just plain blah. Then I started to see them everywhere- untouched laying in an ashtray in Venice- staring at me at the side of a huge platter of paella in Spain. I won’t give up on the langoustine though, they’ve come to mean more to me than simply a crustacean to conquer.
These are very large canvases:
(nervous to press “publish” but here it goes)
.jpg "JONETSUlan1")
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Sorry to hear about your grandfather.
We cannot be creative if we don’t take risks… thank you for taking this risk– for creating and sharing with us, taking that leap that maybe your Opa didn’t… I love your work and also love seeing what photographers do when they are creating images just for themselves.
I think these are very interesting, thought-provoking pieces… I can see them hanging in an art gallery… there are many elements in the top photo that I didn’t notice at first, really interesting placement of the subjects… and I love the amber tones on top of the black & white in the bottom image… it’s like warmth on top of the coldness of the people walking away from the desperate woman and the sharpness of the fence.
Oh Camille I’m so sorry to hear about your grandpa. That makes me really sad I had no idea. Lots of hugs and love over to you.
On the bright side, these images are beautiful… personal and beautiful. Thank you for sharing! It’s so clear how much thought is put into each piece.
Lots of love and comfort,
Allie
These are incredible! You always do such beautiful photography work, but these transcend into very evocative abstract art!
So sorry to hear about your grandpa Camille. I hope you and Chadwick are doing well. Take care of each other as you always do.
The images are amazing, not surprising of course, your work is always amazing. Love the orange tones. I’ve never heard of langoustine… but you two are always teaching us so much about food!
Hugs,
Karen and Keiju
It’s taken me too long to respond to your kind comments- I’m sorry about that.
Emma Rose, thank you for taking the time to sharing your thoughts about the pieces- it means a lot coming from someone so creative as yourself.
Allie, Tamae and Karen, your support means so much to me and makes me want to keep going making these things! Thank you for taking the time to post.
I think of Opa all the time- isn’t it true that even though you may not spend lots of time with certain people, they affect you and your life decisions so powerfully? xo c