The Story Behind All The Flowers And Veggies

A while back, on my art page, facebook.com/npdecker, I started a ‘Photo-an-every-once-and-a-while Series’.

In the early months of 2009, I had done a painting-a-day series. It consisted, mostly, of classic pop-culture movie characters, and actors that I enjoy. All paintings were done in one 24hr period, usually in the late-night/wee-morning hours, and mostly in black & white

Near the end, the trudge of the series was taking its toll. Stress, lack of sleep, and financial worries had gotten the best of me and it started affecting the work. Paintings took more time, unable to achieve proper coloring, harsh brush strokes clogging the painting, etc.

In addition to this series, I was job hunting daily; sending out digital and paper résumés to any and every company I could think of.

The series was a nice sort of venting process, that helped me unwind from the days stresses and negative vibes that came during the 9 to 5 hours.

I had ordered enough canvas to fill 3 months time, and once that time had passed, I’d look at its appeal, success, feedback, etc. and determine whether or not to continue.

Overall, it turned out to be a nice group of work It’s really my little tribute to the pop-culture classics that inspire me.

Cut to April of 2012, I had undergone open back surgery and was laid out, unable to move farther than 50 ft at a time. Having way too much free time on my hands, I picked up my new digital SLR camera that was still in its packaging from January. I hadn’t had enough time to sit and fiddle with it.

Now, with loads of time, I started to shoot everything in sight.

I snapped a few pictures around the house, then, one day I was sitting outside in front of our koi pond icing my back. I snapped a bunch of photos of our koi fish feeding.

One picture is of one of our oldest and biggest koi opening his giant face to feed on a pellet.

I laughed at the sight of it, and decided to post it on facebook to show some friends.

The response was good enough that I decided, well, since I’m still weeks away from picking up a brush again, I’ll photograph everything around me, and the good stuff, I’ll share with the world.

So the reason you see a lot of flowers is because of 2 major back surgeries putting me out of commission. While recuperating back at home, I try to get out in the sun a little bit each day (because vitamin D is your friend) and my parents, both with their own green thumb, plant, garden, and take great pride in their respected dirt displays.

The flowers and veggies are what I’m surrounded by. So, I’m sharing what I see, with you.

I just try to take the things that catch my eye, and capture them in a slightly different perspective.

Thanks

--Nick