I have found that if you have a good idea, more often than not people will at least give it consideration.   It's a bit of a scary prospect pitching a creative idea to anyone, to me my art is part of my self expression, as is my music. 

 This makes it very personal.    

A while back I had an idea to take a photo of Dr.Karl Kruszelnicki in the pose of Rodin's famous sculpture, The Thinker.     

For years I have listened to Dr.Karl and read his books, he is my "Science Hero". He is my go to man for all things science based even though my brain hurts on regular occasions listening to the explanations he gives.          

I hoped Karl would be firstly open to the idea, secondly would be able to make room in his schedule to humour me in going ahead with the project, and thirdly, would like the final result! So, I contacted him, and here we are. 

I find Karl to be very gracious and generous with both his time and his knowledge.  As I set up and conducted the shoot, he and his faithful sidekick Isabelle bounced ideas around, organised weekend engagements and fielded telephone calls. Throughout the whole process he managed to keep his mind on the task of  being a model, and in this case it's quite an awkward and uncomfortable pose. Talk about multi tasking!                                                    

The whole time I was with him, his stream of consciousness was on high. What we hear on the radio/podcasts or  see on TV is who he is in person, there is no stopping the information that  continuously pours out on all matter of things. It feels as if he stores so much knowledge inside his head the overflow just has to spill over, but what was interesting and joyous to see is how it's all delivered with such a sense of excitement and passion.                

I think this passion for understanding is a huge part of why this man is so magnetic to so many people. He loves to learn and discover things about everything around us, and is so keen to share it with everyone else. 

That kind passion and excitement is infectious. 

I did not set out to replicate Rodin's famous sculpture, rather I wanted the portrait to refer to it,  as I believe it is an appropriate way to depict Karl in what he represents, at least, to me: a thinker who spends a vast amount of time and energy gathering knowledge, processing it, and passing it on.    

In the end, I am very happy with the final result and am pleased to tell you that Karl likes it too! 

Mission accomplished.