Link to Rory Lewis Website www.rorylewis.studio
Link to Recommended Equipment www.rorylewis.studio/blog/equipment
Link to Rory Lewis Instagram rorylewisofficial?hl=en
Link to Steven Ogg’s latest Poetry Book Catharse-is. amzn.to/3SDB56s
Last week, I had the privilege of photographing actor Steven Ogg at my Los Angeles studio for my ongoing Selah Project. It's not unusual for photographers to be inspired by other forms of art, and as many of you may have noticed, my portraiture is heavily influenced by Renaissance Italian masters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. Drawing inspiration from these iconic artists, I strive to masterfully recreate the light, atmosphere, and tones of classical portrait paintings in my work. This influence is particularly evident in Selah, my latest and most ambitious project to date.
The Hebrew word "selah" appears throughout the Book of Psalms. Its precise meaning remains a mystery, but it is often interpreted as a pause to breathe and reflect. This concept has been at the heart of my project. Through Selah, I aim to recreate meditative religious scenes, directing my subjects to capture the highest moments of drama and reflection.
Selah is rooted in the artistic traditions of the Counter-Reformation. I have found myself deeply immersed in the works of Ribera, whose depictions of saints and religious figures draw direct inspiration from Caravaggio's tenebrism. This project has allowed me to explore these themes in depth, using light and shadow to evoke a sense of spirituality and contemplation.
The exhibition features portraits of many well-known faces, including Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, and Dame Judi Dench. Adding Steven Ogg to this distinguished list was an exciting opportunity. Ogg, known for his roles in "Grand Theft Auto V," "The Walking Dead," and "Better Call Saul," brought a unique intensity to the session.
For this session, I created two distinct sets. The first was inspired by Sir Thomas Lawrence's triumphant portrait of Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, from 1814-15. I dressed Ogg as a military leader, complete with a sword and baton, and used AI to design a backdrop featuring victorious arches reminiscent of the original painting's Roman triumphal arch. This composition heralded Wellington as the finest military commander and the liberator of Europe, and I aimed to capture a similar sense of grandeur and authority in Ogg's portrait. The backdrop for this set, printed by Kate Backdrops, played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life.
The second set drew inspiration from Caravaggio's "Saint Francis in Meditation." In my depiction, Steven Ogg reads the Bible with the Bible leaning against the skull, adding a poignant touch to the scene. The backdrop for this set, also printed by Kate Backdrops, featured green curtains, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere. The painting, believed to be from around 1604-10, portrays St. Francis in a moment of deep reflection, a theme I sought to replicate with Ogg. The use of light and shadow in Caravaggio's work provided a perfect template for this introspective portrait.
About Rory
I am a dedicated portraitist who has spent over a decade capturing some of the world's most recognized faces. My sittings have included icons such as William Shatner, Tony Blair, Sir Ian McKellen, Iain Glen, Rufus Sewell, and Natalie Dormer, to name a few. Several of my portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London.
My approach to portraiture breaks the mold of typical risk-averse photography often commissioned within the media industry. I dynamically challenge the established norms, injecting moments of spontaneity and even awkwardness into my imagery. My goal is to strip back the artificial layers of staid portraiture and replace them with strangeness and a sense of quiet.
Steven Ogg, born on November 4, 1973, in Edmonton, Alberta, and raised in Calgary, has had an illustrious career in television, theater, and video games. Known for his portrayal of Trevor Philips in "Grand Theft Auto V" and Simon in "The Walking Dead," Ogg has also appeared in "Westworld," "Better Call Saul," and numerous other projects. His ability to bring intensity and unpredictability to his roles made him a perfect subject for the Selah Project.
In conclusion, my session with Steven Ogg was a rewarding experience, adding another layer of depth and drama to the Selah Project. I look forward to sharing more from this series and continuing to explore the rich intersections of art and photography.
A special thank you to Kate Backdrops for printing the beautiful backdrops that helped bring these scenes to life.