This series originated with trips to markets in Mexico, France and Spain, where I saw meat and fish cut and displayed in a manner which I had never seen before. I was immediately captivated by the visual possibilities, combined with observations about the cultural differences and the treatment of living creatures.
In the 10 years since then, I have visited many more markets abroad, including the Far East. Sheets of meat backlit, fish or crabs wrapped around each other, making beautiful designs, often glistening in luscious colors under special lights are inviting to the photographer. Many of the images look like paintings or landscapes.
At the same time that I saw aesthetic possibilities in these subjects, I was also aware of other things. Many of these market displays have repugnant associations in our culture. We are now much more aware of the suffering of even the simplest living creatures, who are routinely crammed into small containers awaiting a buyer.
As a human being as well as a photographer, I feel a responsibility to these issues.
