In my latest project, Observations in Smoke and Air, I follow a tiny human observer as they try to understand the world of metaphors in which I have placed them. The hypnotic thrill of the airshow outweighs the danger. The captivating disaster of the shipwreck. Disproportionate warfare. Invasive technologies disguised in altruism. Misinformation that becomes believable. The dark barter of capitalism over the environment. Like the tiny human in each scene, we often feel like hapless observers in the world. I formed wire and cotton into smoke, water, and air. I modified objects and presented them to my tiny human in each scene. I wanted the space to feel vast and swallow up the tiny human in scenes that were neutral leaning yet imperfect in color and texture. I used the backsides of vintage Sears portrait studio backdrops to create this world. Each image is created in-camera. I wanted to keep the rigging honest so I let the wires show. Presented on 18x24” silver halide prints, edition of ten. No AI used, only HI (Human Intelligence).