This series of pictures had a long
gestation period. I had the idea of exploring the relationship between
two people some years ago, but for various reasons was unable to develop
it, mainly because of the difficulty finding a suitable couple. For
both aesthetic and technical reasons I wanted to do the series as nude
studies. The project sat
idle until, at a life drawing class, this
perfect model just happened to suggest that her friend might come and
sit for the drawing group. In the end he didn't, but I suggested this project and with a
little persuasion he agreed. The body of work very rapidly became a
collaboration and I am indebted to both for their insights and
suggestions. In the event, the pictures turned out rather
different to my original concept - I'm pleased to say. My early
thoughts were full of dark images of conflict and tension - moods easy
to create in black and white photographs, but as time passed, I felt
that I ought to try to do something less sombre, lighter. The series
still has its dark side, yet I hope that the overall message is
optimistic in tone.
