Artist Statement

The project is called Perch Portraits. A personal project documenting moments of eye-catching Felines in Australian neighbourhoods, through windows. The work is about a continual learning experience with dual subjects which are light and cats. Inspired by Photographers exhibitions like Lee Friedlander’s ‘Mannequin’ and Herbert List’s ‘Monograph’. 

This body of work has allowed me to explore light and play with reflection, in all conditions. By being able to blend what seems like a straightforward subject; cats, and reflection from their outside environment, I have captured a unique composition of these subjects in a surrealist yet documentary manner. 

With the use of my SLR camera in conjunction with the window glass panels, you get a dual reflection which I think is quite an interesting play that permits me the photographer to view through the lens and see exactly what will be captured. Cats are highly inquisitive subjects and their personalities show through their eyes and these subjects are enthralled by light and movement. 

With each image, I have paid attention to try and draw the viewer to the cats eyes. I believe that my collection meets the criteria of the perfect 2020 vision, both conceptually and in physical form. You have a vision into what these cats see from their respective perches every day by looking at the surrealist reflections they are framed by. 

Shooting with 35mm film allows for an extra element of magic. The development processes and hand printing each photograph, allows for no two prints to be precisely alike and this means that every piece of art remains unique. With this ongoing project I have created keepsake records for any feline lover.