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The Nature of College
Jim Farrell was my professor in college for American Environmental History. Years later I had the honor of designing the cover for his book The Nature of College.
In it Farrell explores what we learn in college OUTSIDE of the classroom.

the nature of college vanitas still life photo contemporary


Modern Day Vanitas
The concept Milkweed Editions wanted me run with was a modern day vanitas still life. A vanitas still life is an allegorical painting style founded by dutch masters in which objects had symbolic meaning.

Here we have objects that represent the chapters in the book: sex, sports, politics, religion, computing, etc. I searched New York high and low to find the perfect props.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Process
My friend and studiomate Ward Yoshimoto is a great artist and legendary food photographer. I got Ward to photograph and help style the still life.

The image he produced is so immaculate and hi-fi that you can read the words on the tiny candy hearts.
in the studio of ward yoshimoto
prop table


Alternate Covers
A few alternate covers that Milkweed Editions passed on.nature of college cover alternative