During the early years of my life I worked for an old German chef named Karl Kirk. He was a short rotund guy who walked with a limp and resembled a fire plug. He was quick with criticism but long on heart. I remember a day when he had me mixing the stuffing for one of his concoctions. I threw the meat, eggs, onions, bread crumbs, and seasoning into a stainless steel bowl and asked him if he wanted me to mix it using the Kitchen Aid mixer. His reply was short and curt, "Ack, nein, nein, no mixer. Use your hands. They are the best tools you have."
It's an interesting experience trying to take a picture of your own hands. During this feat of magic my hands never left my forearms. I swear.
This shot was inspired by my contact and friend Mike Bell who has taken some amazing photographs of people's hands. You can find all of his fine photos here:
www.flickr.com/photos/mtbellphotography/
Nevada City, CA
