The making of Hoovis in a Bottle

My initial sketch for this photo, I make a sketch for all of the still life, I wanted the “ocean in a bottle” to be in a bigger bottle. I had a small studio space at the time (basement of a 900 square foot house), so I decided to create a photo in a more contained way.

This photo was designed for a square format. Using mostly my large format camera up until now I was able to check the lighting  and composition with Polaroids.  The use of a medium format meant I needed to send the film in to be developed to check for lighting and exposure. I also wanted a high saturation of color.

An apt title in reference to a friends brother, Hoovis or Hoovie. Oil and water plus food coloring in a bottle, “ocean in a Bottle”, his gift for all occasions. It was a secret, a mystery and ultimately a brilliant no cost gift!

Hoovis in a Bottle is made using bottles, oil, water, food coloring, tape, arithmetic charts, found objects and string.

Back to top