Hagen Renaker figures

After reading an article in the LA Times business section, I contacted the San Dimas, California ceramics factory Hagen Renaker about making some photographs.

The daughter of the original founders was running the company, and selected about fifty objects that represent the five artists who created the molds for the figurines.  

The level of craftsmanship in these figures is remarkable, as is the dedication of the remaining employees who hand-paint each one. The company was really having trouble staying afloat because of global competition and changing tastes. 

I am interested in what objects people collect and why, and for decades I’ve made a living photographing for museums, galleries, and libraries. For this project, I approached each shot like a portrait instead of like something for a catalog.

Read Jessica Gelt’s essay in the LA Times here.