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I Show My Poor Relationship With Junk Food And My Own Body Image (10 pics)
I’m a photographer from the Toronto area in Ontario, Canada. For the past few years, I’ve been shooting strange self-portraits for fun and to learn new techniques. They’ve all culminated in a self-portrait photo series I call DiscomfortFood.
DiscomfortFood is about my body, my self-image, and my mental health through the lens of junk food. Specifically, the junk food that I personally abuse. For me, that is pizza, pasta, potatoes, popcorn, Pepsi, pie. Carbs and sugar, ice cream, burgers, and salted fries!
Since beginning this project I have actually developed a much happier and healthier relationship with food. I have lost approx 60lbs in the past few years, all through dietary changes and leaving behind a lot of unhealthy food that are the subjects of some of the images below.
More info: erikmarcinkowski.com | Instagram | Facebook
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Sugar
From DiscomfortFood. It was really hot in the studio that day, and when I was done the sugar had melted into a glaze.
Glazed sour
When I conceived the DiscomfortFood series, this image was one of the most important ones in the whole series. Sour Cream Glazed doughnuts are my 2nd favorite type.
Two beef patties
Double-cheeseburgers are my kryptonite.
Honey crullers
Honey crullers are my absolute most favorite.
Double chocolate dip
From DiscomfortFood. So many doughnut flavors!
I am the nightmare that children think of
Shot before I conceived of the DiscomfortFood series, this image laid the groundwork for the ones that would follow.
Salt
So salty.
DiscomfortFood
This image is the thesis image in the entire series. The goal is to explore weight, food, self-image, mental health through this series.
Flowery self-portrait
The cowl is actually a kitchen curtain.
Glitter
This image is from 3 years ago and I am still finding glitter all over my house.
Since beginning this project I have actually developed a much happier and healthier relationship with food. I have lost approx 60lbs in the past few years, and I would like to thank some of my photography for helping me process things.
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What do you think ?
Lou Wow 5 years ago
Yeah he's actually adorable. I think big guys are rather manly and very appealing.
Load More Replies...
KLL 5 years ago
You are very photogenic and brave for photographing something you have a less than happy relationship with. You are a handsome and beautiful individual and I applaud your efforts to make the changes you want. Let your wins keep guiding you on your goals and remember that no matter where you're at you are awesome and handsome and you can accomplish anything.
Chris_the_Creative 5 years ago
The food photos are actually really good and an interesting concept. The color and composition is neat and the subject matter tells a story. Good Job.
Bri Nicole 5 years ago
The salt and fruit loops ones are absolutely fantastic. They could be in any gallery. Very well done. And what an awesome project. I wish you the best of luck with gaining your health back. You got this! I hope to see more from you.
Aimee Simmons 5 years ago
these pictures speak to me very deeply. I have struggled with my relationship to food for most of my life. Thank you for sharing part of your journey.
James Watson 5 years ago
interesting to see your eyes open as the photos are taken and the realisation dawns. be happy no matter who you are or what you love: be true to yourself.
Cyn Rielley 5 years ago
Almost brought me to tears, to close. Love the flowery self portrait and the glitter!!!! Way to just throw it all out there!
Jasmine Walker 5 years ago
Hot damn!! Congrats on the lifestyle change!! You are an amazing photographer. To show humility to help you healing shows your courage and gives your photography that personal edge. Hope to see more from you, my friend.
Loveyiii 5 years ago
Great portraits! Well composed and introspective. A great use of creativity to take a close look of what foods are your triggers. I wish I could do the same and eat well and move more. Kudos to you for your accomplishments. PS ~I bet you are still picking glitter out of your beard.
Jill Higginson 5 years ago
You are such a good looking guy !! It takes 21 days to create a habit so reverse it. Start walking everyday for 21 days. I'm telling you you'll miss being outside after 21 days. If you work out you would be amazed at how fast things will change.
Grumble O'Pug 5 years ago
We all have food issues. It goes with the territory of having high density calories and tasty packages at cheap prices. Keep up the good work, it's inspiring.
WillemPenn 5 years ago
So true. I just started a sugar detox. Way worse than kicking meth. Actual miserable physical withdrawal symptoms that have lasted nearly a week. That added sugar is a killer, and for some of us, is more of an addiction issue than street drugs. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/12/16/459981099/how-the-food-industry-helps-engineer-our-cravings
Load More Replies...
Locd_doc93 5 years ago
You're beautiful! I loved all the pictures, I hope you had a fun snacky time taking them :D
Tony Moon 5 years ago
The hardest part of reality is facing your own issues. Accepting our failures is only part of the solution. Working to overcome them is the hard part. I feel your pain greatly. However, that being said, I enjoy your eye. Great photos, I would enjoy seeing your portfolio on here. Thank you so much for sharing.
Christina Webster 5 years ago
These are a beautiful expression of the love/hate relationship many of us have with unhealthy foods! Technically they are great photos and artistically they are beautiful and energetically moving. I ADORE the glitter pic - and good luck ever seeing the end of those shiny guys, haha!
Christina Webster 5 years ago
Wait! And did you do a photo series of red objects featuring red tights??? I think I've seen your work before and it is awesome! Best of luck:)
Load More Replies...
Jaguarundi 5 years ago
Good luck on your journey to become happier and healthier. You are already your best you.
Billy Beecham 5 years ago
Awesome work! Love it! Don't ever stop. Remember that you are a perfect creation and as such you can do anything you set your heart to.
Monika Soffronow 5 years ago
"Since beginning this project I have actually developed a much happier and healthier relationship with food. I have lost approx 60lbs in the past few years, and I would like to thank some of my photography for helping me process things." Your photos do seem like a discussion you are having with your destructive eating habits. A constructive, good discussion. It is like hearing you say "Well, I am a photographer, I'll photograph myself out of this hole I got myself into." Well done! Severe overweight leads to so many nasty health problems down the line, with a much-increased risk of developing several forms of cancer, diabetes, heart problems, and also (for women) giving birth to premature and underweight babies, problems conceiving, premature death, and generally lower quality of life for many years. And ... eating less is also better for our planet.
Momo Skarsgård 5 years ago
I absolutely love it! You're handsome and really a great model!! Thank you for sharing.
Geoffrey Holland 5 years ago
This is really cool. I also love crullers and now I want to go to Tim Hortons and get a box of them. Must resist.
James Floyd 5 years ago
Power, bro! It's a forever battle but just take it a day at a time! I can picture 60lbs less svelt you!
Lou Wow 5 years ago
Yeah he's actually adorable. I think big guys are rather manly and very appealing.
Load More Replies... KLL 5 years ago
You are very photogenic and brave for photographing something you have a less than happy relationship with. You are a handsome and beautiful individual and I applaud your efforts to make the changes you want. Let your wins keep guiding you on your goals and remember that no matter where you're at you are awesome and handsome and you can accomplish anything.
Chris_the_Creative 5 years ago
The food photos are actually really good and an interesting concept. The color and composition is neat and the subject matter tells a story. Good Job.
Bri Nicole 5 years ago
The salt and fruit loops ones are absolutely fantastic. They could be in any gallery. Very well done. And what an awesome project. I wish you the best of luck with gaining your health back. You got this! I hope to see more from you.
Aimee Simmons 5 years ago
these pictures speak to me very deeply. I have struggled with my relationship to food for most of my life. Thank you for sharing part of your journey.
James Watson 5 years ago
interesting to see your eyes open as the photos are taken and the realisation dawns. be happy no matter who you are or what you love: be true to yourself.
Cyn Rielley 5 years ago
Almost brought me to tears, to close. Love the flowery self portrait and the glitter!!!! Way to just throw it all out there!
Jasmine Walker 5 years ago
Hot damn!! Congrats on the lifestyle change!! You are an amazing photographer. To show humility to help you healing shows your courage and gives your photography that personal edge. Hope to see more from you, my friend.
Loveyiii 5 years ago
Great portraits! Well composed and introspective. A great use of creativity to take a close look of what foods are your triggers. I wish I could do the same and eat well and move more. Kudos to you for your accomplishments. PS ~I bet you are still picking glitter out of your beard.
Jill Higginson 5 years ago
You are such a good looking guy !! It takes 21 days to create a habit so reverse it. Start walking everyday for 21 days. I'm telling you you'll miss being outside after 21 days. If you work out you would be amazed at how fast things will change.
Grumble O'Pug 5 years ago
We all have food issues. It goes with the territory of having high density calories and tasty packages at cheap prices. Keep up the good work, it's inspiring.
WillemPenn 5 years ago
So true. I just started a sugar detox. Way worse than kicking meth. Actual miserable physical withdrawal symptoms that have lasted nearly a week. That added sugar is a killer, and for some of us, is more of an addiction issue than street drugs. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/12/16/459981099/how-the-food-industry-helps-engineer-our-cravings
Load More Replies... Locd_doc93 5 years ago
You're beautiful! I loved all the pictures, I hope you had a fun snacky time taking them :D
Tony Moon 5 years ago
The hardest part of reality is facing your own issues. Accepting our failures is only part of the solution. Working to overcome them is the hard part. I feel your pain greatly. However, that being said, I enjoy your eye. Great photos, I would enjoy seeing your portfolio on here. Thank you so much for sharing.
Christina Webster 5 years ago
These are a beautiful expression of the love/hate relationship many of us have with unhealthy foods! Technically they are great photos and artistically they are beautiful and energetically moving. I ADORE the glitter pic - and good luck ever seeing the end of those shiny guys, haha!
Christina Webster 5 years ago
Wait! And did you do a photo series of red objects featuring red tights??? I think I've seen your work before and it is awesome! Best of luck:)
Load More Replies... Jaguarundi 5 years ago
Good luck on your journey to become happier and healthier. You are already your best you.
Billy Beecham 5 years ago
Awesome work! Love it! Don't ever stop. Remember that you are a perfect creation and as such you can do anything you set your heart to.
Monika Soffronow 5 years ago
"Since beginning this project I have actually developed a much happier and healthier relationship with food. I have lost approx 60lbs in the past few years, and I would like to thank some of my photography for helping me process things." Your photos do seem like a discussion you are having with your destructive eating habits. A constructive, good discussion. It is like hearing you say "Well, I am a photographer, I'll photograph myself out of this hole I got myself into." Well done! Severe overweight leads to so many nasty health problems down the line, with a much-increased risk of developing several forms of cancer, diabetes, heart problems, and also (for women) giving birth to premature and underweight babies, problems conceiving, premature death, and generally lower quality of life for many years. And ... eating less is also better for our planet.
Momo Skarsgård 5 years ago
I absolutely love it! You're handsome and really a great model!! Thank you for sharing.
Geoffrey Holland 5 years ago
This is really cool. I also love crullers and now I want to go to Tim Hortons and get a box of them. Must resist.
James Floyd 5 years ago
Power, bro! It's a forever battle but just take it a day at a time! I can picture 60lbs less svelt you!
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