We asked around about Tread. Here is what some leading photographers and photo editors said:
Tread’s photography combines a touch of the ordinary with a surreal pinch of gothic South narrative imagery as seen through a crappy plastic lens. Throw in a little bit of Meatyard—his photographic mentor and local hero—with a fistful of rock and roll and you come out with an unforgettable pastiche of soulful, witty images filled with Southern charm and humor.
Bill Vaccaro, Fine Art Photographer, Chicago
http://billvaccaro.visualserver.com/
The nice thing about Tread – a guy I have never actually met – is that he seems to have a bit of twisted genius to him. His imagery has a kinetic maybe I should try that quality of someone who probably makes images easily, with a seeming punk rock lack of concern with perfection. And he then puts words together that bring a rhythmic bourbon and onion smack you with them. Photo tribes tend to repeat themselves endlessly and so the people that propel any group forward are fewer and further between and probably will come from without as often as not. Tread seems to fit the scout or outlander mold, the guy that just might bring the knowledge of ice to the glandlocked photo villagers. The combination of words and images may or may not always work but the combination will definitely leave an impression and I have the sense that, like most psycho-hobo wayfarers, Tread will have already moved on to something else, more or less unconcerned by the various critiques and interpretations of those in his wake.
Gordon Stettinius, Richmond, Virginia
http://www.eyecaramba.com
When I first saw his work i was very much taken by it. I work as photo editor for Vice magazine and I have this website for talented photographers, so I see many pics every day. I am generally not too much into Holga photography, because I think that few people really know how to create a very interesting image, whilst many just find it interesting for the random “strange” pictures they take. Well, Tread is definitely one who knows what to do with it.
Lele Saveri, (has used Tread images in a couple of shows around Europe, some publications), Milan, Italy
http://www.ithoughtiwasalone.com
Tread exploits toy cameras of all kinds with stunning results. The endearing characteristics of these less than perfect cameras don’t define his images. Instead they inform and accentuate the unrefined process of becoming a man. Light leaks, blur, aberrations and frayed edges all work together, illustrating the imperfections of change and memory.
When I first got involved with the online toy camera community, I immediately gravitated towards Tread’s style and content. The hallmarks of growing from boy to man are captured and studied, reminding us of those joys and fears but without affectations. He not only tells these stories photographically and verbally but reaches a little deeper, urging me to be a better father, a better man.
Warren Harold, Photographer, Houston, Texas
http://www.thatwasmyfoot.com
