This week, we're highlighting the works of another extraordinary artist: photographer Jack Ludlam. In his early teenage years, Jack found himself spending his summers on a local farm, and that's where he first became acquainted with his chosen subject: the tools and trappings of the working class. Hoping to draw attention to what he believes is an underappreciated and underrepresented group of people, Jack takes powerful photographs (in both black and white and color) of gear (chainsaws, well-worn boots), the fruits of hard labor (chopped wood), as well as some self-reflective pieces (hands poised at a typewriter or gripping a camera).
In the spirit of continuing to support independent artists and craftspeople, we're going to be selling a selection of original prints signed by Jack on our site. Covering a wide range of subject matter and exemplifying the artist's talent for making magic of the mundane, these five pieces remind us that beauty often lurks in the most unexpected places. Each print is signed and Jack has personally donated these works with 100% of the sales being donated to the ACLU and Campaign Zero.
We’re super glad to have been able to work with you on this project Jack. For those who aren’t already familiar with your work, how would you describe what you do?
I am honored to be a part of it! I have been a huge fan of Taylor Stitch ever since Eli over at Berkeley Supply introduced me to the brand. I am a photographer focusing on medium format still life and portraiture work. Aesthetically I often focus on minimalistic qualities to photograph subject matter as if they were specimens to be studied and appreciated.
At what point did you find your passion for photography? How’d that get started for you?
I have been interested in photography since I was about 12. I would use my moms 35mm camera and try to capture photos of wildlife for the most part. But it wasn’t until college when I discovered medium format film. Once that happened I started to take it a bit more seriously and began to look at photography and art as a potential career.
There’s a consistent theme of “work” in your.. Well, work. How’d you find your focus on this subject matter specifically?
I would say my work definitely tends to steer towards americana and the working man or women, whether it is a portrait of their hands or a still life of the equipment that makes their work possible. Growing up in Ohio I got to spend a decent amount of time on farms both helping out and just witnessing the conviction and hard work it takes to make it. I always really looked up to the people that had the conviction to day in and day out work that hard to provide for others.
Can you tell us a little bit about your style and why you use the methods for photography that you do?
In college I became very inspired by the body of work “In The American West” by Richard Avedon. Aesthetically I obsessed over the attention to detail and I try to bring some of that into my work. I try to bring out and highlight imperfections as much as I can. It’s what makes people and objects alike unique and beautiful.
Do you have a go-to camera setup or is that too difficult to answer?
Not too difficult! This camera is actually about the same age as me. The Mamiya 7 is a medium format film camera that was made in 1995. It will forever be my favorite camera.
You’re based in Denver (one of our favorite towns…) How’d you end up there? And do you feel a sense of “place” in your work as a photographer?
I literally flipped a coin on where I went to college haha. I really didn’t want to go and couldn't make a decision so I flipped a coin and ended up in Denver! Denver has been great for me. I could never handle the intensity or criticism that comes with a larger cities art scene like NYC or LA. Way too much anxiety. But Denver has a really wonderful art community that is growing into its own and it’s fun to be a really small part of that.
Any projects on deck that you’re specifically inspired about?
I am just about to start a project that focuses on birds of prey that I am really excited about. Who knows if it will work, but I think if it does it could be a really rewarding project over the next couple years!
Photography — Cassandra Vagher
Signed Prints — Discover Now
