Jason Lazarus - Photographer / artist

I was lucky enough to have Jason Lazarus as one of my photography professors when I attended Columbia College in Chicago. I learned a lot from him and he was very supportive of my conceptual side. I have been doing a lot of actors headshots and product photos for the past few years and have neglected my artsy conceptual side but after gazing upon his work I am feeling inspired again to carry my camera and make art.
I am a big fan of Jason's series "Living with a Portrait". I am always intrigued with the artist process. How much is set up? How much is thought out? How much is made up of the mundane added with the artist's magic?
I miss being in school and getting to learn more from people like Jason. Thank God for the internet.