I’m (Erik Marcinkowski) a photographer from Ontario, Canada, near Toronto. I’ve been taking strange self-portraits for fun and to learn new skills for the past few years. All of these things have led to a photo series of self-portraits that I call Discomfort Food.
Through the lens of junk food, Discomfort Food is about my body, my sense of self, and my mental health. In particular, the junk food that I eat a lot of For me, that is pizza, pasta, potatoes, popcorn, Pepsi, and pie. Carbs and sugar, ice cream, burgers, and salty fries!
Since I started this project, I’ve become much happier and healthier when it comes to food. I’ve lost about 60 pounds over the past few years by changing my diet and giving up a lot of unhealthy foods, like the ones in some of the pictures below.
More info: erikmarcinkowski.com | Instagram | Facebook Credit: bored panda
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 came up with the idea for the Discomfort Food series, this picture was one of the most important ones. Sour cream-glazed doughnuts are my second favorite kind.
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 picture is from three years ago, but I still find glitter everywhere in my house.
Since I started this project, I’ve become much happier and healthier when it comes to food. In the past few years, I’ve lost about 60 pounds, and I’d like to say that some of my photography helped me deal with things.