Photographer based in Rantoul, IL
Portrait of the photographer
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
After getting my degree in aerospace engineering, I got a job as a rocket scientist designing orbits to put satellites into space. But the job wasn't as exciting as I thought it was going to be, so I took some photography classes as a creative outlet.
"Recreational Vehicle, 2020, 11" x 14"
“I got a job as a rocket scientist designing orbits to put satellites into space . . . debugging software helped me learn to notice things that are out of place or out of the ordinary. While on daily walks or out running errands, I occasionally saw things that looked normal at first glance, but at second glance were out of the ordinary and absurd. I've been photographing them for almost 20 years.”
"Contrails & Phone Lines", 2013, 11" x 14"
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
For the past 20 years I've been working on "Far from Normal", a portfolio of photos taken 60 miles from Normal, Illinois that at first glance appear ordinary, but at second glance are far from normal and absurd.
When I moved from the spectacular – and spectacularly expensive -- scenery of Northern California to the flat, boring farm fields of Central Illinois, I thought there wasn't anything to photograph. But managers at various jobs had given me an appreciation of the absurd by such things as having a meeting where the only thing discussed was when you were having the next meeting or by requesting software changes so that on Friday you ended up where you had started out on Monday. And debugging software helped me learn to notice things that are out of place or out of the ordinary. While on daily walks or out running errands, I occasionally saw things that looked normal at first glance, but at second glance were out of the ordinary and absurd. I've been photographing them for almost 20 years and slowly building up a portfolio.
"No Trespassing", 2025, 11" x 14"
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology, how does it occur within your practice?
I go for daily walks or run errands. By paying attention to my surroundings I stay inspired, often seeing a photo subject while I'm stopped at a stop light or when I take a wrong exit off the highway.
Where do ideas start for you?
Ideas start in the world for me. I agree with the photographer Elliott Erwitt, who said "For me, photography is about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them."
"Icicle", 2009, 11" x 14"
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
Coming from an engineering background, I've always liked the deadpan documentary/scientific photographic style. The seriousness of the deadpan style contrasts greatly with and emphasizes the deadpan humor and absurdity of my photos.
Since I often find my photo subjects when the lighting or weather is bad, I take a photo that acts as a sketch or a reminder to take another photo under better conditions.
Left: "Double Stop", 2022, 11" x 14". Right: "Model Rocket", 2010, 11" x 14"
Many artists live by their routines and rituals, what does yours look like?
I carry my camera with me during my daily walks and when I'm out running errands. I often find something to photograph, even if it won't get added to my portfolio. But it's important to keep up the habit of paying attention to my surroundings.
Who are your biggest influences?
Walker Evans, Eugene Atget, Timothy O'Sullivan and Luigi Ghirri.
Left: "Pointing Tree", 2020, 11" x 14". Right: "Phone Poles, 2020, 11" x 14"
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
It’s gonna work out if it's meant to!
"Where the Sidewalk Ends", 2013, 11" x 14"
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Website jeffevansphoto.com