Nina and the turkey

No, it is not Photoshop. It's real. To make this portrait I locked myself in the room and set everything up: the studio, the lights, the tripod, the table, the raw turkey breast and the fork and the knife hanging from a fishing line. I could hear her walking outside the door and see her paws' shadows underneath. She was curious. What was I doing in there? And furthermore, why didn't I let her in?

As curious as she was, she was first careful. When I finally opened the door, she walked in slowly. After rubbing herself to the tripod and light stands, claiming them hers, she jumped onto the table. Nina was skinny and aerobic, her jump didn't disturb the delicate balance of the fork and knife.

The smell of turkey was strong. That's what made her jump. She walked around the plate, sniffing it. But, as always, she didn’t miss an opportunity to check out the window.

She stepped up to the window ledge and looks at me. I'm already behind the camera, incredulous that my plan is working to perfection. I clicked the shutter.

Exhibition history

Boston City Hall, Scollay Gallery, Boston, MA, 2023-2024 (solo show)

Animal Nature, Washington Street Gallery, Somerville, MA, 2014, (solo show)

Animal Nature, Mission Hill Public Library, Boston, MA, 2013, (solo show)

Post-, Student Life Gallery, Boston, MA, 2013