Collecting & Visual Lists

One of the cool things about collecting something is the whole picture that several objects can create. Taking pictures of something as simple as a pair of shoes can create an interesting image of my office and the inhabitants. I thought it would be easier to photograph shoes than the face of the people who wear them. It turns out that people feel very insecure about their shoes. One person in my office adamantly refused to have his shoes photographed, out of insecurity. About 75% of the people I asked were apologetic over the shoes they had worn. They didn't think they were the "right" shoes--they had better ones at home, if only they'd known I was taking pictures! Then there were the few that had several pairs of shoes hiding underneath their desks. "Which ones should I wear?" They asked. My point wasn't a fashion show or to look good--my point was to observe something normal and everyday, that also had an individual quality. I love the whole picture they create--it feels intimate and interesting!

I've been trying to think of other visual lists I could do. If I had more guts, I'd love to collect photographs of people reading on the subway. New Yorkers are readers and it's always interesting to see what people are consumed in during their commute. Or what about the coffee mugs in people's offices? Or how about a whole collection of people's hands?

Ever since I got a Mr. Bento lunchbox, I've been participating in the Mr. Bento Porn pool on flickr. What I like about this, is that I've been collecting my lunches. I've also been doing a collection of my favorite cups.

What do you collect?

More of my favorites from shoe collecting:

Dylan

Patricia

Ambika

Dorothy