A Legacy of Leisure

Unframed Sizes:

32" x 40"
48" x 60"
60" x 75"

Framed Sizes:

39" x 47"
55" x 67"
69" x 84"

"This photograph captures a moment suspended in inherited elegance. This artwork was produced in Harrodsburg at the historical mansion of the eighth governor of Kentucky, John Adair. The first home burned down in the late 1800s and has since been rebuilt and remodeled by two previous homeowners in an effort to preserve the foundation to its original appearance. After contacting a nearby horse farm, I was fortunate enough to stage a very famous horse named Brunello, who is a Grand Prix showjumping stallion. Alongside the horse, parked front and center is a 1963 Bentley S2. My goal for this concept was to capture a final photograph that showcased a lot of class and a mood that represented the old money aesthetic. The woman in the photo stunningly represents luxury and sophistication as she enjoys a day out shopping before returning home to the estate. The Hermes shopping bags added a nice touch as a nod to the equestrian industry and fashion lovers alike. The final composition intertwines symbols of generational wealth—fine architecture, equestrian culture, couture fashion, and luxury consumerism.

I arrived in town during the Keeneland Blue Grass Stakes horse race that takes place every April. Unfortunately, the night I arrived, a 100-year flood occurred, consuming the entire area, leaving many roads inaccessible, and canceling the race altogether. My shoot was scheduled for the following day, and I was a bit worried we would have to reschedule the entire project. With a stroke of luck, the homeowner of the mansion was able to navigate us from a back entrance to the property, as all other roads were submerged in over three feet of water. The morning started with heavy clouds until it finally blessed us with a brief window of sunlight and blue sky before the next storms rolled in. After just one photo was taken with my vintage film camera, we all celebrated, given the crazy conditions we had found ourselves in over the past 24 hours.

In this part of the country, just outside of Lexington, it is a very private and tough crowd to get introduced to. Their lifestyle is centered around the Kentucky Derby and various horse farms that stand some of the most expensive horses in the world. I am thankful that I was able to make some amazing connections with the locals and be introduced to the farm where this photo was captured. I call this artwork "A Legacy of Leisure.""