“It’s amazing how someones kindness can profoundly influence your work.”
Name: Marc Falzon
Hometown: Lawrenceville, NJ
Style of photography: Conceptual
Type of camera(s): 4×5, Contax 645, Mamiya 7ii, Hassy 500c/m, & Yashika T4.
Website: www.marcfalzon.com
What gives you inspiration?
I remember growing up in Central New Jersey along the Delaware river. The drives into Pennsylvania and the occasional trips to Philly or Newark airports would have me pass curious self-contained villages that were often dependent on one primary economy- such as the oil refineries and small towns to facilitated the workers, or even the insulated Amish who would ferry in their pretzels and pies to sell at the farmer markets. These economically limited, or controlled, communities are fascinating to me. Driving past I’d imagine myself invited into these private enclosures. To this day, I’d love to make a project about the processing plants along I-95.
What are your influences?
I have three major influences in my life. First, perhaps broad, are the multitude of talented professors at SAIC. Secondly, is my immediate family who financially helped me through school, their belief in my absolutely influenced my art making. Finally, my best friend Aaron. Seriously. During my time as his roommate, he gave me a few months of rent off- with that money I was about to get my 4×5, which solidified my interest in Photography. It’s amazing how someones kindness can profoundly influence your work.
Why did you choose these photos?
I’m personally drawn to these images. The colors, compositions and symbolisms speak to me. The body of work they come from, Axis Mundi, is my exploration to create a mythology in the South West desert using traditional Judeo-Christian symbolisms. I feel like these images are successful in showing that.
What does photography mean to you?
I don’t find Photography particularly special or unique. While I love analog cameras and equipment, in the end it’s just a tool. In much of the work I do it’s a good tool to express my ideas. Photography to me is useful.
Photos: © Marc Falzon
