Sea of Emotions
What is your history as a photographer? How did you start shooting, when did you start calling yourself a photographer, etc.
I started shooting back in the fall of 2017; all summer I worked for the zip line on Catalina Island and modelled for a photographer friend of mine. I fell in love with portraiture, and was inspired to go out and buy my own camera. I didn’t really address myself as a photographer until around January of 2018; up to that point, I was really just fumbling around and taking photos of whatever and whoever. It wasn’t until I had dedicated time to studying contemporary art and really learning how to visually evoke emotion, that I could say I was seriously a photographer.
How is your work now different then when you first started? How does it show your growth and change as an artist?
My work is massively different from when I first started shooting. Initially, I went the route of attending portrait meetups and events hosted by local studios. I swiftly realized the monotony of it all, and I really dove deep into creating unorthodox work. My growth is shown through my range and versatility, while still remaining consistent with my style. I decided that 2020 would be a year to prioritize self-portraiture, and have really been enjoying the utilization of myself as a muse.
How would you describe your style? What are you trying to express?
I would describe my style as ethereal, whimsical, dark, and passionate. I express a sea of different emotions, however in general I avoid anything that depicts happiness. I feel that media already heavily saturates our view of life as overly cheerful and positive. I make a point to talk about mental health awareness, and racial injustices.
Who are the people you photograph? Why are they important to you or inspire you?
The people I photograph fall anywhere on the spectrum of close friends to complete strangers – I am inspired to create with anyone who shares my interest and passion in unique art.
What’s the story behind one the photographs that you send?
The Flaming Hand portrait! We met for the first time that evening of the shoot, off of Tinder of all places; I’m ambitious, and maybe a little crazy. I’d reached out, asking if he wanted to shoot something insane, then I pitched the idea of setting his hand on fire. Fortunately, he was all for it. I was thrilled, but the challenge was that we only had one take, and you can see that it was all we needed. I really love sets like that one - where we spontaneously get together on a whim, and create probably my best work to date.
Creatively, where are you right now as an artist?
I am so incredibly inspired right now. I want to push out many passion projects that I’ve held on to.
What’s next for you?
Travelling! I want to expand my art, build rapport and establish connections with people all over the U.S. and in other countries around the world!
