“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far reaching effects.”
– Dalai Lama
Remembering Dave Towery, I think of the above quote. I wonder if he knew how much he influenced and touched other members of this community?
When I met Dave, oh so long ago at the Seattle Toy Meet-Up, I was impressed by his joy, laughter and playfulness. He was the guy you wanted to hang with. Watching Dave and David talk and laugh about their mutual love of toy photography for the Seattle Interviews will be a memory that stays with me. Walking through a winter park with Dave and Jon Aiken (Dinczar), talking toys and shots is another memory left from better days. His love of astronauts in isolation will forever infuse my own love of the hero’s journey.
In memory of Dave Towery and the ripples his creativity inspired, I’ve gathered a few toy photographers together to share their images inspired by his beautiful and haunting pictures.
Stephanie
When I posted this image in 2018, I thought of Dave. He took childlike wonder and made it into a reality. His imagination knew no bounds, and now when I look back on my gallery, I can see this shot and think of all the good things.
Bianca
Matt
Sam
Oliver
I’ve admired and enjoyed work by many, many fellow toy photographers over the last seven years, but Dave’s images were, and still are, something truly special. He showed us lonely astronauts exploring desolate landscapes, hulking beasts, and mystical creatures unshackled from the laws of physics. His horror and science-fiction icons carry weight and gravitas that transcend their source material. And the scenery and light—God, that beautiful light—establish primacy over even the most recognizable subjects positioned within them. In many ways, Dave’s sublime creations demonstrate where toy photography could go: art over IP, composition over character, pathos and poignance over flashiness and fandom. He may have left us, but his work has the power to burn bright long after we’re gone.
Marcus
Dave, I’ll miss you. Your creativity, your passion, your curiosity. I may not fully understand why you chose to embark on a journey to the great beyond, but I hope you find what you are looking for. I’ll catch up to you eventually, after I’ve explored this place a little more. Till next time, Dave. Love you, brother.
Paris
Dave: I hope you found the peace you were looking for, my friend. You were one of the biggest influences on my photography. All that you put into your images was sensational. You could make different worlds with something as static as a toy. That is art. That was art. I respect and admire you. Your departure hit me hard, Dave. I even got this astronaut because I loved what you did with yours. This hobby allowed me to create alternatives to what happens in real life, relieve stress and meet likeminded people. The problem is, as you showed us, it may not be enough. And if it isn’t, what’s the point of doing it? Is it even important? This community has given me an education. You unknowingly taught me a lot of things and gave me the courage to go out and throw myself on the ground to get a good photo—no matter what others said. But also, today more than ever, you showed me the necessity of keeping in touch with the people who love, appreciate and care about us. I wish you the best, my friend. You will be in my and my family’s prayers. Until forever!
David
Dave and I talked about this figure when it was announced and I couldn’t wait to make him jealous that I got it first. When I got the fig, I knew I had to do this tribute to @bear__trap.
Shahzad
Shelly
I’ve always admired and been inspired by the quiet nature of Dave’s photographs. Unfortunately my chosen muse, LEGO, doesn’t lend itself to the beautiful contortions of the typical action figure. But that doesn’t stop me from doing my best to emulate the quiet solitude seen in Dave’s images. This one will always remind me of you, Dave.
Floating, weightless.”
Photo: Shelly Corbett, @shellycorbettphotography
Thank you, Dave, for sharing your vision with the community. Your creativity will be an enduring influence on the work of so many toy photographers.
Rest in peace, friend.
I love seeing all these great shots and continued outpouring of love for Dave. ?
Great tributes. I never met Dave, but I was always captivated by his peaceful still shots; they have influenced a lot of my work and will continue to do so. Especially the space shots.
He was a true inspiration to the toy photography community, I’m saddened by his passing but also happy to see that he touched so many if us. May the force be with you my friend
I’m Matt, Dave’s dad. It’s been 3 years and it seems like 3 seconds to us. Dave was overwhelmed by life for years, but he was a good soul and loved us all very much. Within our family, especially Dave’s brother and sister, we “see” Dave daily, we MISS him and weep, but we are confident we will see him again. Thanks to all of you. He loved you all and you were an encouragement and an inspiration to him..
Matt I want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. Three years does seem like 3 seconds. Whenever I bring out my astronaut toys to photograph I always think about Dave. He is such an influence on me both in how I take photos and the stories I tell. In fact I see his influence in the photos of so many people…those who knew him and well beyond.
Dave is a truly special person, thank you for sharing your love for him with us. He will always be a cherished member of our community.