WoodWork
This photo story focuses on Scott Shimkonis, the owner of Project Objects, a one-man furniture business that specializes in mid-century modern pieces. An establishing shot of the commercial space/workshop opens the story in order to provide a setting. Inside the shop, Scott can be seen cleaning and restoring his inventory of furniture. The transactional part of his business takes place online so detailed listings and photography of his pieces are crucial as well. At any moment though, he may have to drop what he is doing to speak with a customer at length about his product details, payment, and delivery logistics. I was able to ride along on a rare local pick up, but the customer declined to be photographed. The physical wear and tear the business takes on Scott is illustrated in some of the later photos. Neck and shoulder pain is a part of his daily life. Not only is the furniture often very heavy, but it can also extremely delicate, and the slightest scuff mark can lead to a significantly reduced listing price. When asked if he plans to hire an assistant, he replied that while an extra set of hands would help immensely, it is simply not in his budget right now.
True to form, after our initial two shoots, Shimkonis had to leave on several multi-day pickups and deliveries in New York City, Atlanta, and Miami. I had to squeeze in the final two shoots into his already hectic schedule. What is made clear to me in the time I spent with him is that he is constantly in motion, metaphorically but also quite literally. I attempted to capture this at one shoot using long exposure, but I did not feel it did him justice enough to make the final selection of images. Another important point I took away from this story is that Shimkonis is a driven individual that has no interest in working on anyone else’s terms. He takes pride in his business because it is an extension of himself. He does not share his failures or his successes with anyone, and he would not have it any other way.
The entrance of Project Objects, which deals in mid-century modern furniture, is located across the street from Sam’s Pizza in Downingtown, PA, Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
Scott Shimkonis, owner and sole employee of Project Objects, speaks to a customer on the phone at the back of his commercial space in Downingtown, PA on Thursday, April 15, 2021. A Mastercraft credenza valued at over $20,000 can be seen in the foreground.
Scott Shimkonis drives to a local furniture pickup in Thorndale, PA on Thursday, April 15, 2021. He often drives to locations all over the eastern United States for pickups and deliveries.
Seen through the webbing of a chair, Scott Shimkonis applies stain to a piece of furniture in Downingtown, PA on Saturday, April 10, 2021. Many of the pieces in his inventory need significant repair before they can be sold.
Viewed through a smudged office window, the reflection of Scott Shimkonis can be seen as he updates a furniture listing on his tablet in Downingtown, PA on Thursday, April 15, 2021.
Scott Shimkonis dons a mask and pair of goggles before stripping the finish from a piece of furniture in Downingtown, PA on Saturday, April 10, 2021.
Scott Shimkonis uses sandpaper on a tabletop in Downingtown, PA on Saturday, April 10, 2021. Pieces such as this must often undergo a rigorous refinishing process.
Scott Shimkonis cleans a mid-century modern era mirror in Downingtown, PA on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Before pieces can be photographed for listings, they must be cleaned as thoroughly as possible.
Scott Shimkonis adjusts lighting in the makeshift staging area of his workshop in Downingtown, PA on Monday, April 5, 2021. Well-lit photos are integral to his listings in order to highlight the intricacies of each piece, but also draw attention to minor blemishes that prospective buyers must be made aware of before purchase.
Scott Shimkonis adjusts lighting in the makeshift staging area of his workshop in Downingtown, PA on Monday, April 5, 2021. Well-lit photos are integral to his listings in order to highlight the intricacies of each piece, but also draw attention to minor blemishes that prospective buyers must be made aware of before purchase.
Scott Shimkonis checks his email on his mobile phone after a long day refinishing furniture in Downingtown, PA on Saturday, April 10, 2021.
Scott Shimkonis winces as he raises the garage door at his workshop in Downingtown, PA on Thurday, April 15, 2021. Years of working with heavy furniture has left him ever-growing neck and shoulder pain.
