The Unexposed
Issue No. 6 1
Editor In Chief: Natasha Dominguez
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Front and back cover photograph by Maryanne Gobble. All content copyright the artists. No commercial use without express written permission. Š 2012 2
Table of Contents Letter From The Editor What’s Next
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Photography: Allyson Busch Monica Allaby Adrianna Keczmerska David Montosa Deirdre Dishman Eunice Cornejo Corinne Perry Elise Kammerer George Todorovic Jessica Pettway Vai Yu Law Nassia Kapa Natalia Łowicka Maryanne Gobble Nicola Belson Jessica Christie Makayla Rogers Oona Robin Julia De Santis Claire Burrelli Sarah Hibner Marjolein Audrey Banis Nicola Dorman Jovana Damnjanovic Rachel Abraham Rubén Juan Montesinos
...6 . . . 12 . . . 18 . . . 24 . . . 30 . . . 36 . . . 50 . . . 56 . . . 62 . . . 68 . . . 72 . . . 78 . . . 84 . . . 90 . . . 96 . . . 102 . . . 108 . . . 114 . . . 120 . . . 130 . . . 136 . . . 142 . . . 148 . . . 154 . . . 160 . . . 166
Fine Art: Priscilla Ainhoa Griscti
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Writing: Stefan Yambao
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Letter From the Editor Artists and creative types often experience solitude. For some, it can be incredibly inspirational and reflective. For others solitude can be very lonely and even sad. For most, it is somewhere in between. Please take a moment and explore what the word solitude means to this talented group of artists from all over the world.
-Natasha
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Photograph by Natasha Dominguez
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Allyson Busch 17 / Atlanta, Georgia 6
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I first started with photography five years ago. I used to mess around with an old point and shoot in the backyard, taking horrible photographs of leaves and the sky and whatnot. I became more serious when I bought my first DSLR, but didn’t actually think much of photography until a little over a year ago. What is your current relationship with photography? I wouldn’t say photography is just a hobby; it’s taken up too much of my life and means too much for me to be a hobby. I’m not studying, though. I like to think of photography as a lifestyle, and something that I’m not going to outgrow. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I’m extremely influenced by other photographers my own age. Olivia Bee, Caiti Borusso, Kalie Garrett, Alexis Mire. The young flickr generation is what started my photography, and watching as they get better and better pushes me to achieve just as much.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. The series “Gone Away” was inspired by my current situation. I’ve entered my last year of high school, and while I still have many friends left at my school, I lost the majority. The one that especially hurt was my best friend’s moving an hour away, and the resulting gap that has been forced between us. The photographs show the numbness of being left behind, and the solitude of not having that person there anymore. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? All of the nerdy things. I’m in marching band at my school, and, though it’s not technically a hobby, I read and think about Biology far too much for a normal person. I watch Doctor Who and some other television shows, but my coursework is taking up most of my time this year. What are your plans for the future? Right now the plan is to attend Georgia Institute of Technology and major in Biology, eventually getting my PhD in Genetics, but nothing is constant. I’m sure things will change. Whatever the plan, though, photography will always be instrumental to my life. •
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Web: http://flickr.com/allysonwonderland
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Monica Allaby 16 / Canada
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? As a young girl, I was very timid. I found my peace when quietly observing the exchanges between people rather than participating in the conversation. When I was thirteen years old I became interested in photography, discovering that it offered me a place to capture these sincere moments while feeling safe behind the lens of a camera. I’ve been photographing ever since. What is your current relationship with photography? I have yet to study photography but hope to let my photography take me where it will once I’ve graduated high school. Who, or what is your biggest influence? What influences me the most is my childhood, which consisted greatly of sleeping bags, pond hockey and picnic lunches in the woods.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These photographs were taken during this past summer. They are important to me because they capture the carefree days of the summer months which I spent swimming, sleeping fire-side and hiking along shorelines. The only real solitude I have ever known is that which is found in the great outdoors. Within the trees and the water, I can feel a profound peace and stillness. I hope these photos will help me in remembering this solitude, that I found outdoors during the summers of my youth. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Besides photography I enjoy kayaking, film-making, biking and hiking. What are your plans for the future? I plan to attend university to study photography and film making. •
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Web: http://flickr.com/monicalaura
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Adrianna Keczmerska
20 / Ipswich, United kindom
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I was always interested in some sorts of arts, whether it was drawing, painting or collage so I already had some artistic interests. I came across photography at the age of 16 when one of my cousins wanted me to take a few pictures of her. Not having photographed someone before, I thought I did a very good job and I really liked being able to compose an image together. I haven’t put the camera down since! What is your current relationship with photography? I am currently in my 2nd year of studying BA (hons) Photography at University of Essex, Colchester where I do my best to get good qualification. Apart from that, I always try to shoot a lot outside of the study to regularly update my portfolio. Who, or what is your biggest influence? Life in general. Anything or anyone can inspire me.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. When I think of the word ‘solitude’, I see myself 7 years ago, when my parents moved to England from Poland. Having to leave my country, family and friends behind had made me feel lonely and upset. Even when surrounded by lots of people, I constantly felt alone, empty, and small in this big world. This is what I wanted to express in these images. Inspired by the beautiful photographs by Harry Callahan of his wife Eleanor and daughter Barbara, I took my boyfriend out to some empty locations where placing him very far away from the camera in the middle of the frame, I shot the pictures on a medium format camera. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I love reading! Although I don’t do it very often when I’m at home, I always bring a book to university with me where I read it on the train there and back and at any free minute I get during breaks. What are your plans for the future? I would love to get a career in photography (obviously!). Hopefully as a fashion, editorial and portrait photographer. • 20
Model: Pietro Marano 21
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Web: http://adriannakeczmerska.4ormat.com
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David Montosa 19 / Málaga, Spain How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? Well this sounds strange but at first I did not like photography, let me explain it: I started studying in San Telmo School Arts and I just wanted to draw and paint and I was not interested in photography but I had to be a model for a school work and I took my first picture in one of these sessions. I fell in love with photography and I started to save money to buy my camera. It was 2 years ago so I’ve been photographing for a year and half. What is your current relationship with photography? For now I am studying Photography in School Arts. Also the last year I enroll in a course of Contemporary Photography in CAC Málaga. Who, or what is your biggest influence? This question is difficult to answer because everything can influences me to photograph. There are some things that inspire me like water, aquatic animals, or cold weather, in addition to a lot of artists that have influenced my work like Juergen Teller, David Lynch or Odd Nerdrum. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. When I knew that solitude was the theme I imagined sad people and stuff that I was not sure about so I thought about mixing life and beauty with this loneliness. That is the reason why I chose flowers; I wanted to show how loneliness does not have to be sad because for me solitude is beautiful and comfortable. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I love art in general, I like painting and I love cinema and of course reading and music. I like traveling and I think it is necessary to know other cultures to be able to create something really new and amazing. What are your plans for the future? For now I am going to study the second course of photography and then I would like to study cinema but I do not really know what could happen in two years. • 25
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Web: http://www.flickr.com/photos/damontosa/ http://davidmontosa.blogspot.com.es/
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Deirdre Dishman
17 / Greenville, South Carolina
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I believe I first became interested in photography in the eighth grade. At first, the only things I ever took pictures of were trees and flowers. The thing that really ignited my passion to excel at photography was birthed in envy. There was a girl who lived up the street from me, and she was taking all of these beautiful images of strange little things at strange angles. Through trying to emulate her, and then branching off to my own style, I came to realize how much I loved to observe. That’s when photography became really important to me. What is your current relationship with photography? I guess photography would have to be classified as a hobby, but I feel like it’s more than that. I’m actually getting to do a lot of paid work this year for kids who want their senior pictures done! I feel privileged getting to make money off of something I love so much. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I think my biggest influence has to be the environment around me. I go to the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, a residential high school for young artists in Greenville, SC. Everyone here is just incredible at what they do, and being exposed to so much art is really inspiring to me. Not to mention the students are also really interesting and lovely people. I don’t feel like anyone’s cookie cutter, and when I’m photographing people, I know that I’m creating something brand new, every time. And Greenville’s such a beautiful city. I’ve been here my whole life, I’ve watched it become more metropolitan. In a way, we grew up together. Getting to live in such a breathtaking place is real inspiration for me.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These pictures represent coming to the end of things. The end of the land is marked by the beginning of the ocean, and the human ability to live ends in the water. My model was in a dark place when we took these, and I think it shows through in her face. The theme of solitude means a lot to me, because I find a lot of my ideas come to me through solitude. When I write, I’ve found that ideas soak through to the page best when I’ve been alone for hours. I think that shows up in my photography as well, especially in this shoot. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? It’s questions like these that make me feel like I’m in love with too many different things! I’ve been a pretty serious dancer since I was very little. I’m a writer (but I wouldn’t necessarily call that a hobby, because I go to school for creative writing). I’m also very passionate about astronomy and cosmology. I spend a good bit of my free time reading through old physics textbooks and Stephen Hawking’s publications. What are your plans for the future? Well, if everything goes as planned, I’ll graduate in May from SCGSAH. Sometime after that, in August or September, I’ll move into college. As of right now, since school has just started back up, I have no idea where that might be, what state, what city I’ll be living in next year. I can tell you one thing for sure: I’ll be bringing all seven of my cameras with me. • 33
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Model: Jordan Sommer
Web: http://flickr.com/deirdredishman
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Eunice Cornejo 17 / Birmingham, United Kingdom
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I’ve been photographing for 3 years, I started when I was 14 with a Canon compact camera. I first became interested in photography when I saw photographs of crying babies with glossy faces! These photos were from Jill Greenberg’s controversial series ‘End Times’. I started researching about the message behind the photographs then other photographers... one thing lead to another; long story short photography and I were inseparable from then on. What is your current relationship with photography? I’m currently studying Photography at A-level (college). Photography and I are married – so, ‘til death do us part. Who, or what is your biggest influence? My biggest influence is Diane Arbus, her portraits are one of the firsts I’ve seen firsthand, her work is a compilation of the undocumented people and it continues to inspire me to take photographs that root from a message I am trying to convey and consists of reality – not just snap shots of pretty people. 38
Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. This is a series of self taken photographs I did for the first unit of my A-level photography coursework. This is the first series I did of self taken photographs and is so far the only one I’ve done since. It is inspired by Diane Arbus’ revealing portraits. While taking these photographs I discovered that the only way to reveal secrets of one’s self is through solitude, this series has challenged me as an artist and as a person, I was conscious of how I should present myself in front of the camera and I know that if someone else was there while I was shooting this that the photos will not be truthful at all, after the shoot I felt more sure of my identity and my purpose which continues to motivate me to use photography to express myself. I believe Solitude is necessary for growth. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I’m an amateur guitarist – I’m a Taylor Swift/Colbie Caillat kind of girl – I feel like if I were born in the ‘70s I probably would have been a hippie! Photography has taken over my life and so beside actually taking photographs I look to discover new places, develop new ideas – day dream. What are your plans for the future? In the future, I want to own my own studio and have creative freedom to bring an idea to life. I am looking to study Photography at degree level and hopefully be able to go back to my home country (Philippines) and teach it there too. I plan to live by faith and not merely by sight – it sounds weird coming from a photographer but what I mean is I want a life lived through what is perceived not what is simply seen. I believe that artists are supposed to point out little things that are ignored by most and exhibit what is, somewhat, unexposed. •
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Web: http://eunicecornejo.tumblr.com
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Priscilla Ainhoa Griscti 26 / Malta How did you first become interested in art? How long have you been drawing/illustrating for? For me, I feel like art is ‘innate’, it always was there and will remain. There was no such ‘interest’ in it because it was always a part of me. The question is perhaps one of recognizing a talent and choosing to nourish it. I have been drawing from as far back as I can remember, where even my parents or those that knew me at a very young age vividly recall that I had a good hand at drawing, even before I myself can remember. I remember always being at ease when I was drawing, imbued with a deep feeling of tranquility as though I were cut off from the rest of the world. As a child, drawing came second nature to me, it was the simplest form with which I could express myself. Being someone who was always determined to overcome new challenges, I began to delve in other areas of the arts which I felt I had not yet explored, such as piano playing, singing or acting. The creative side of me was always alive, regardless of the means or manner I used to express myself. I took my talent for granted as a child, until on one occasion at the age of 7 or 8, whilst drawing I was faced with a great challenge, that revealed to me that art was not as easy as it seemed. It was at this point that I became strongly convinced that painting or drawing was to become my passion. On this day, I felt faced with this immense challenge that I was not sure I could confront. I remember being driven by a strong urge to create as though I was being guided by a higher source. I desperately wanted my drawing to carry movement and to come to life on paper. Till today I remember this moment in acute detail, but aside from my visual recollection of it, my greatest memory remains in the emotions I felt during its creation. Freeing my mind of all thoughts or worries, I allowed for my emotions to take control of my hand. This overwhelming feeling was my very first inspiration, and that was when I knew with complete certainty that art would be something I will always love doing.
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What is your current relationship with art? I am an independent fine artist and presently I am working freelance. Art has become synonymous to my life. It is my everything. But furthermore it is my great teacher. Through my own artistic creation I learn more about myself and my surroundings than any other source can give me. It liberates my emotions, and re-evokes them. It is my drug, and also my cure. It is my obsession, and my liberation. It is my healer, and my aggravator. It is, like love, indescribable. It carries no definition because it speaks for itself, both through technique and expression. It provides me with a reflection of who I am from the inside, and the outside. When creating, the emotions travel through me, enter into the artwork, and the artwork gives the inspiration back to me - it is a mutual process. It is a pure connection where what is inside of me (feeling) and what is outside of me (the creation) become one. Looking back at my past artworks, I have come to realize that they are frozen moments in time yet, they are presently alive. The most powerful artworks carry a life of their own, they adapt to time, and are ever-changing and ever-present. My current ‘relationship’ with art goes beyond words or definition. It cannot even be defined as a ‘relationship’, because it is a part of me, it IS me. More than a marriage, more than a friend, it is something I was born with and will be something that will die with me. Art in my life does not only depend on creation, it is also a way of seeing, a way of feeling, a way of being, existing. If I do not create with my hands, I paint through my own vision of life. If I close my eyes, I create through my mind and imagination. I have always believed that to be a true artist it did not only depend on the quality of one’s creations, but also on his/her way of life. Who, or what is your biggest influence? It is impossible to mention any single one of my influences, because there are so many sources that have left an impact on me artistically. Ultimately the answer to this question lies in the core essence of what influences me, and that is that I am inspired by anything in people, nature or art that carries a *mystery of the unknown*. I am wholly intrigued when someone or something is able to transport my imagination into a world I am unfamiliar with.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular pieces. These illustrations were born out of the subconscious, as a result of intense introspection, contemplation and self-analysis, over a long period of time. This selection of six illustrations forms part of a series of many other drawings, which I personally grouped under the name of ‘Exodus’. These drawings that form part of ‘Exodus’, were created during an artistic phase that strove to express a constant departure of emotions, revealing an unleashing of many repetitive forms that struggle to leave the mind or body. Each of these drawings strive to illustrate all that can be trapped or concealed in our physical being, such as tumultuous thoughts, feelings, and emotions, through visual imagery. Being the result of a thorough philosophical questioning of self and introspection, all of these works are deeply influenced by solitude. During this phase, as with many other phases of my artistic career, I felt the need to distance myself from society and the chaos of everyday life in order to fully comprehend and gain a better understanding of myself and my spirituality. I have always believed that it is in the greatest depths of solitude, that one can truly silence the mind and create works that are veritably pure in their essence. In the drawing entitled ‘Silhouette of her mind’, there is an overflow of thoughts being interpreted as the movement of numerous hands, which for me symbolizes creative force and inspiration. The artwork ‘Frill Neck’, also demonstrates creative productivity, this time emerging more from the heart than from the mind. Another drawing called ‘Creation’ reveals a silent scream that seeks to come out from my innermost being. ‘La Pioggia’, another artwork of this series, speaks of tears that are metamorphosed into fluttering butterflies, expressing both the beauty and tragedy of human existence, whilst simultaneously showing that sadness can be elusive and that tears will eventually fade. ‘Oceanic Profusion’ was inspired by the depths of the sea and its creatures, reflecting how our inner being can emerge through natural forces or imagery. The illustration ‘Subtlety’ deals with more of a physical pain, that emerges through a surrealistic expression of feeling. All of these pieces carry a voice that echoes in the depths of solitude. What are your other hobbies, besides art? Somehow most of my hobbies still seem to find their way under the title of ‘art’ or in some manner allow me to grow stronger in my artistic vision. When I am not painting, I visit exhibitions, I dance Flamenco, I love traveling, every now and again I always feel the need to get a dose of theatre or contemporary dance, I indulge in watching foreign language, zeitgeist or stop-motion films and I thoroughly enjoy reading books on philosophy, aesthetics, and spirituality. What are your plans for the future? My immediate wish is to have my works exhibited in a prominent gallery in New York, Paris or London. I would like to continue exhibiting in major galleries and museums both in Europe and internationally. In the future I hope to see my works alongside the top artists. The reason being is that I wish for my artworks to continue to be seen by others in the future, hopefully being able to evoke emotions in them regardless of the age they were created in. • 47
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Web: http://Â www.ainhoart.com
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Corinne Perry 22 / Birmingham, United Kingdom How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I became interested in photography at College, but have been producing work seriously since my second year of University, so about two years now. What is your current relationship with photography? Photography is my life, I would say it’s my full time commitment. Who, or what is your biggest influence? My biggest influences in terms of art are the photographers Francesca Woodman, Diane Arbus and Cindy Sherman who all are incredibly unique and talented. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. I feel that my work has a strong connection and link to the theme of solitude, because the inspiration behind my work was my emotional state, and at the time in which I took these images, I felt very lonely and isolated. The images are all from my final University project entitled ‘Delirium’ which was all taken in my bedroom. My bedroom is such a personal space which can be such a lonely place for some people. I also feel that this is the metaphorical place for my emotional entrapment. My work has been produced using traditional photographic methods of hand printing my work in the darkroom, which I then hand coloured with art materials. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I have other interests, but I would say that they all link in with my photography, such as reading for inspiration. What are your plans for the future? I hope to study at a higher level Art course next year which is called post-graduate study. It is the next step in University education. I feel education is very important and can help to inspire. In the shorter terms, I have some events coming up with Curious Duke Gallery in London. They are one of the Galleries I am represented by. •
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Web: http://www.degreeart.com/users/corinne-perry http://www.premiereart.co.uk/meet-our-artists/corinne-perry
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Elise Kammerer 24 / Berlin, Germany
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I have always been interested by the different art forms, particularly cinema; my interest in photography began around 10, when I wanted to take photo with a friend and my mother lent me her analogue camera, a Pentax-t. I joined a photo club a bit later. I spent a lot of time with my best friend trying to take the pictures I imagined. What is your current relationship with photography? After my studies in France, -not related with photography-, I moved to Germany with my girlfriend and decided to dedicate all my time to photography and art; to take the time to see, to look, and to feel. With photography, I always try to find myself, and it can be really stimulating and disturbing. Who, or what is your biggest influence? The french movies and my parent’s disk records make me always in mood of taking pictures. But women have always been my biggest influence and source of inspiration. I need also to see a lot of photographs, to go to museums and to read.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. I try to see and to show these moments, when someone is alone, or waiting for something, and you can see a letting go of emotion... I’ve always been fascinated by this kind of abandonment you can capture sometimes. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I love to watch movies, to see art and to read about it. What are your plans for the future? I hope I can continue to make my works and to show it. •
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Web: http://ekphotographe.wix.com/artwork
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George Todorovic 20 / Sydney, Australia 63
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I began photography when I toured around Europe in 2009. I never had a website and lost all of my files so I recently began photography again, this was my first shoot since 2009. What is your current relationship with photography? Photography is a hobby for me. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I began modeling earlier this year so I have been influenced by other photographers and my partner who was the model for this shoot. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. This shoot began as a product shoot for Me Go Meow Couture, but there is a deeper story within it. The inspiration had a lot to do with the emergence of spring and they relate to the theme of Solitude because it is a depiction of a girl who has found inner peace after a lengthy period of self reflection. Due to this inner peace she is able to enjoy the world around her and is relaxed by nature. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? My other hobbies include singing, guitar playing, modeling, and car restoration. What are your plans for the future? I’m looking to get into more serious modeling work and to re-build my photography portfolio. •
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Model: Clancee Erin Accessories: Me Go Meow Couture
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Web: http://www.georgetodorovic.webs.com http://www.megomeow.webs.com www.clanceeerin.webs.com
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Jessica Pettway
17 / New York, New York
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? Growing up I was always interested in art, but it was not until my sophomore year of high school that I became passionate about photography. I remember seeing photos taken with Lomography cameras and being fascinated by the multiple exposures and vibrant colors. It inspired me to get a Holga camera and experiment with film photography. Though playing with my Holga was fun, a year later I got my first DSLR and began to actually learn about photography. In high school I tried out various activities and areas of art, but after getting my first DSLR I realized that photography held my interest and I have been photographing for a total of three years. What is your current relationship with photography? Experimenting with photography is an emotional roller coaster for me when trying to express myself and make the best photos that I can. But in the end creating photos gives me so much joy and I am so grateful for being able to study what I love and I am dedicated to making pieces I am proud of. This year I began studying as a freshman at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I am excited to learn in a creative environment with so many passionate artists and mentors. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I am most influenced by the uncanny and expressive styles of artists such as Francesca Woodman, Frederick Sommer, Duane Michals and Roger Ballen. The stories some of their photos tell are dark and dramatic and I enjoy trying to emulate their style. I also find that my best photos come from when I am open to explore my feelings and current interests.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These photos are a personal narrative that illustrates my creative process when creating photographs. The photograph “Slumped” illustrates the lack of motivation that crept up while I was alone. I even lacked inspiration to pick up my camera and create photos, something that I am completely passionate about and dedicated to. I felt that no matter what, there was always a destructive force pulling me back. My photograph “Reflection” illustrates how one day I decided to look within myself for the answer to my problem. I found that I was the destructive force as well as the powerful solution. I decided to push myself to leave my bedroom and focus on my love for photography to keep me out of the slump. The photograph “Release” shows me purging the destructive force from within my body and mind. All three photos are self-portraits that were taken after I finally came out of solitude and were meant to document it and serve as a souvenir to myself for surviving it. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I enjoy all forms of art, especially listening to new and unheard of music. I like collecting CDs and vinyl records because I love having all the album art. I also love exploring New York City with my friends and making weird food combinations such as macaroni and cheese grilled cheese and trying out new recipes. What are your plans for the future? While attending The School of Visual Arts I want to perfect my skills and improve my photographic style so that I may have a career creating photographs. I would like to try out all areas of the industry such as fashion, editorial, and shooting concerts and special events. •
Web: http://flickr.com/jpettway 70
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Vai Yu Law
28 / Toronto, Ontario
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I’ve always loved taking photos. It started as a hobby, just taking photos of my friends, family and Toronto. After living in South Korea for 2 years, I decided to do photography professionally. It was hard at first and I gave up for 3 months and had an office job. However, I realized how much I missed it because I didn’t have time to do any kind of photography. So, I quit my job and went back to photography, and I’ve been doing it for almost two years. You gotta do what you love, right? What is your current relationship with photography? I love photography! I’m constantly studying and learning how to improve my photography! Who, or what is your biggest influence? People who surround me and places I visit. Individuals who believe in what I do and help me reach my goals in life. These people influence me the most, and they give me that extra courage I need.
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Model: Kristin @ SPOT 6
Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. I’m continuously trying to portray emotion in my photographs. Any pictures can be beautiful but without provoking some sort of emotion from the audience, that is not a photograph. We all go through a rough patch in life and photography is always there to help me express my reality and of course, my personality. Before the model and I started the photo shoot, I told her to imagine I wasn’t here, to look afar, and enjoy the breeze and the sound that surrounds her. I told her to only look at me when I tell her to. I wanted her to feel that she was alone and absorbing what was happening around her. I like field trips on my own it makes you realize how precious time is and how significant people and places are to you and impact you in ways we don’t realize. I form a better understanding of who I am when I am alone. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I really enjoy learning Korean. Is this a hobby? Ever since I came back from Korea, I’ve been trying my best to learn the Korean language and Korean culture. What are your plans for the future? In the near future? I want to keep shooting, learning and doing the best I can. Far future? I want to continue photography and work in Asia, especially, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan. • 75
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Web: http://vaiyulaw.tumblr.com
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Nassia Kapa
29 / Athens, Greece
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I have been photographing for two years now and it’s been my personal salvation. I reached a point in life where I needed more than ever to change everything, especially people and things around me. To change things one needs to change themselves first. Which is what I did. I’ve been changing my state of mind, the way I see things, thanks to photography. What is your current relationship with photography? It’s my passion and dailiness at the same time. I get passionate, almost obsessed with using my camera in order to realise what is seen in front of me, but at the same time it is something that last more that a ‘passion’ per se. It is my constant way of redefining me and others. I do not work as a professional photographer, meaning I do not gain my salary out of it, which is a powerful sense of freedom in what I get passionate with each time. I focus on my mind and only. Who or what is your biggest influence? I try not to get influenced by someone, although it is quite hard to avoid, since thanks to internet influences get through our mind so instantly and effortlessly. Still, I truly love Helmut Newton and his uniqueness and simplicity in extravaganza. I admire Sally Mann and Diane Arbus, for their dark side.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. I was always afraid of being alone. Till the time I realised that there is no way to discover who you are and to be what you want to be, unless you embrace solitude. Of course it can be hard and tough to handle, but in fact it is your own personal time with what constitutes you as a persona. In other words, there is a fine line between loneliness and solitude. I am referring to the ‘creative’ part of it. When it comes to solitude, a person comes face to face with inner self, rarely revealed under usual circumstances. Portraits “intimacy” and “self in portrait” are a view of isolation from the outside surroundings and embracing subconsciousness. The “if you leave” nude and the “self-exposed” show self-exposure towards loneliness and the “outside my car” is a blur winter scenery expressing solitude in two colours in a shapeless state, due to isolation. In fact is a sum of feelings I experienced myself at that particular time. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I write. A lot. The thing is that my thoughts are not perpetual or focused on one thing. I have this constant fear you know that I forget what I am thinking of. I believe in what they say “I think therefore I exist”. So I write, and then I make it an image in mind, then photograph it. What are your plans for the future? I rarely make plans cause I feel I am spoiling the excitement of the creation, whether it is a project, an idea or an ambition. What I really dream of is to be recognised in my photography. Photography is a major means of communication, so if one recognises you it means you have spoken. And what you said was heard out loud and most important it is remembered. • 81
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Web: http:// nassiakapa.com
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Natalia Ĺ owicka 20 / Poland
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? It just happened! Before I found photography as a hobby I’ve been interested in graphic design. As an amateur - mostly preparing layouts for teenage bloggers using online resources. I spent time viewing galleries of beautiful photos available online. When at some point I got a camera and it opened up a new world for me. I just started to take my own photos. It happened about 5 years ago. It was a period of trying all possible subjects, from what surrounds me, photos of friends, nature to self-portraits. I’m still experimenting, trying different things and techniques, but for 3 years it seems like I’m mostly into creative portraits and fashion photography. What is your current relationship with photography? We are friends. Sometimes we can not reach an agreement, but we can not live without each other. It’s my passion; a way to show my world. A year ago, after my final exams in high school, beside starting my full-time medicine studies I decided to organize my knowledge of photography too. I began studying photography as my second major. Who, or what is your biggest influence? It sounds trivial, but what gives me inspiration is daily life, the people who surround me, dreams and emotions. Sometimes it could be a random image found in the magazine, an online blog, any piece of clothing or simply beauty of the model which I meet and plan the story of a photo shoot together. Very differently. There are many photographers I admire: Tim Walker, Sally Mann, Annie Leibovitz, Terry Richardson, Irving Penn, Jamie Nelson, and many not really known photographers whom I know from the Internet. The mix of that names can sounds very random, but in the art of each of them is something that I love.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. This photo shoot was inspired by a phoenix, a mythical sacred fire bird. According to legend, after 500-1000 years of life phoenixes burn fiercely in its own nest, and then be reborn again from its ashes. They seem to me to be very solitary, but at the same time confident and strong creatures. And same is goes for the woman I wanted to show. She’s alone but strong and free like a bird, with a rock & roll heart. She feels good with herself and doesn’t need companionship. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I’m studying dietetics, so I’m interested in healthy eating (which does not mean I’m crazy nutritionist living on salad all day, I must admit that I, unfortunately, love unhealthy snacks). I try to cook, but it’s not necessarily something I’m good at. I’m collecting photos from the fashion magazines, I like beautiful interiors and home designs, I’m into fashion and make up... I do not have really definite interests, I just love beauty. What are your plans for the future? My goal is to land a job as an editorial photographer one day. I’m very excited to see where photography takes me. • 87
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Web: www.facebook.com/lowickaphotography
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Maryanne Gobble 33 / Redding, California
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? When I was a teenager I used to explore the ocean shore daily. At some point I started bringing along a small camera in my pack. The shore is a curious thing. What’s there today is gone tomorrow. It became a flirtatious game of hide and seek. Just the ocean and I. It wooed me with it’s wildness and unpredictability. My prints starting getting attention which encouraged me to keep the camera along. What is your current relationship with photography? For so long I was caught up in what others wanted me to take pictures of and what images received the most praise. I tried weddings, traditional portraits, and common landscapes. All of it was useful to the learning process. But recently I find I’m sticking closer to my artistic vision. It feels less about the camera and more about expressing what’s at my core. Less about making money and more about lending an honest voice in the conversation. Who, or what is your biggest influence? My pursuit of God,truth and a desire to worship my creator plays a huge part in my photography. My struggle with man made religion and traditions creates some friction for me to build on and examine. An interest in the human spirit keeps me digging deeper and lends hope. I am inspired by design, painters, authors, science, history, and the list goes on and on. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. The self portraits are really just me in my element. I truly feel at home when surrounded by the solitude of nature. I can’t get enough of it. The man in the rest of the images is my husband. They are part of a series I’m creating that depict elements of his life journey. Solitude really plays into rest, healing, and freedom. All themes in that particular project. I think our greatest weaknesses are also are greatest strengths. My love of solitude is both. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I love to read anything and everything. Natural food interests me and I love cooking up new earthy things in the kitchen. I’m currently learning about foraging for food in the wild. Lets hope I don’t poison myself ! Hiking, pondering, exploring, sketching, writing, and hanging out with my kids. What are your plans for the future? My children are still young so I want to remain a strong presence in the home yet continually creating within that environment. I want this creativity to be inclusive to those around me. Long term plans are less decisive. I’m open to a great many things. I always joke that when I grow up I want to be an adventurer. 92
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Web: http://www.neweyedea.com https://www.facebook.com/neweyedea
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Nicola Belson
26 / Berkshire, England
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I remember shooting holiday snaps using disposable cameras from around the age of 9, it was always exciting waiting for the photographs to be developed as you never knew what the results were going to be! However, it was not until the age of 15 that photography became my main passion. I was initially interested in architecture and combining my photography with mixed media, the following year I was introduced to the darkroom as the basis of my photography A-level. This was the turning point and confirmed that photography was the career for me, I have therefore been continually shooting for 11 years now. What is your current relationship with photography? I am now a photography lecturer, I have always seen art as a lifestyle and teaching allows me to discuss and look at photographs everyday. It is great helping young adults to embark on their own photographic journey and their work also inspires me. Alongside my teaching career, I accept commissions and continue to collaborate with other creatives to expand my own portfolio and submit to magazines. Who, or what is your biggest influence? The Tate Modern and The Photographers’ Gallery in London, I have been visiting these galleries from a young age and whenever I am there it reminds me of my art ambitions as a young teen and inspires me to push my work further.
Stylist: Emily Corbin Makeup Artist: Lucy Jayne Model: Hollie Scriven 98
Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. We wanted to create a fashion story depicting a shipwrecked young woman who is stranded alone and waiting for her rescue. As the series progresses we wanted the subject to become a part of surroundings, this is shown through the styling as you can see that her garments and accessories become less refined and more inspired by nature. For me this series works well as a coherent set of images and is also very different to my other work. It is my only beach shoot, which provided me with new challenges as a photographer and whereas I usually use post-production techniques to enhance what is already there, here I created a dramatic dreamlike look which I feel adds to the isolation she is experiencing. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Visiting exhibitions, retail therapy, being a magpie: collecting inspiring images and artwork and saving them in a scrapbook, sewing and cooking. What are your plans for the future? To continue to teach and to shoot fashion and beauty work for magazines. I also want to return to my photography roots and produce some new studio work and embark on a new fine art photography project intended for the gallery environment (as it has been a while...). • 99
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Web: www.nicolabelson.co.uk www.lucyjaynemakeup.co.uk
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Jessica Christie 21 / Darwin, Australia
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? Ever since I can remember I have been interested in photography, I love being able to capture a moment forever. This past year though I have truly rediscovered my passion for it. Seeing other photographers create a story with their photos intrigued me and I then learnt that photography can be a way to express everything I feel and experience.  What is your current relationship with photography? Photography is my passion. Though I work full time and casually on the weekend I have been pursuing it every chance I get with client shoots, self portraits and a concept series inspired by music. Let’s just say little sleep and coffee are my best friends! Who, or what is your biggest influence? Life itself really is my biggest influence. The beauty of nature, music, family, friends, complete strangers, other photographers, emotions and personal experiences all play a big role in the photos I create.
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Model: Thomas McElroy
Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These photographs are the footprints in my road to self discovery. In my solitude I am slowly discovering both pieces of myself that I never knew existed and ones I thought I had lost long ago. In front of the camera, it is here I question and explore my hearts desires without outside opinions or judgement. These photos have very much been a healing process for me, while some are inspired by song lyrics, the majority I have drawn inspiration from personal experiences and have used lyrics to express these emotions and experiences. I am slowly learning that yes, I may get a step wrong here and there or miss a beat but this is my dance, my life and I can re-choreograph it if something isn’t working. Through each photo I am gaining more courage, determination and confidence to take a chance and walk into the fog of life. The unfamiliar, untravelled and uncomfortable situations can seem daunting at first but I’m learning that they can turn out to be the best thing I ever endeavor. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I love to travel. Discovering new places, people and cultures are so inspiring and creatively influencing. I am very much in love with music, in fact it’s fair to say that I am in a very serious relationship with my music. I love how no matter what I am going through I can always connect it with a song or entire album! A little light reading here and there also helps to keeps me sane. What are your plans for the future? I don’t really have any set plans for the future, but I know that I want to travel the world taking photos that people can connect with. I truly want my photographs to tell a story and have meaning. I want people to be able to relate, feel inspired and encouraged by what they see. My hope is to continue to be as passionate about photography and life as I am currently am now. • 105
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Web: http://jessicachristiephotography.com.au http://facebook.com/jessicachristiephotographer www.flickr.com/photos/jessicaaar
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Makayla Rogers 17 / Rhode Island, USA
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I think I’ve always been interested in photography. Since my mom used to be a photographer, I’ve always been surrounded by really beautiful photos of the world in which we live. I think it was when I was around 14 or so when I started to really take an interest in it. I was so intrigued at how much I could express myself without even having to say a word; it would all be captured in that one photo. I have now been seriously photographing for about three years. What is your current relationship with photography? Photography is honestly my life. It’s a hobby in a sense that I do it for the joy of it. It’s a job in a sense because people can book shoots with me. And I’m studying it because eventually it will be my concentration in my Studio Art major. Who, or what is your biggest influence? Rosie Hardy hands down is my biggest influence. Her photos always make me realize that the possibilities with photography are endless and that always makes me push myself to step out of my comfort zone.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These particular photos are my journey of evolving into the person I have always wanted to be. After battling with depression and having no one to talk to about it, I felt alone every day of my life. I expressed that loneliness through my photos. Through the years, I have grown to love the person I am and have embraced being alone. You can see the transition from the darkness and emotion behind the first photo to the colorful and peacefulness of the last photo. That transition is not only seen but for me, felt. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Besides photography, I love to play guitar and compose songs. What are your plans for the future? My plans for the future entail living a happy, photography-filled life. •
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Web: http://flickr.com/makayla_rogers
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Oona Robin 17 / Belgium
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I always had a certain fascination for it, but in some way I never thought myself capable of creating such imagery. I don’t really know why. When I was younger I used to write and when I saw something that interested me I took a picture to remember it, and after a while I would pour words over it. I once got stuck with the writing and snapping pictures was the one thing left to get my creativity run wild. After almost four years now I started writing again, but along with everything else, it has to make place for photography. It had grown on me and became a passion. What is your current relationship with photography? It’s more than a hobby, but I don’t study it either. I always resisted to take classes, because I want to keep doing what I do and I don’t want my creations or my personality (in terms of art) to be criticized by people who have a whole different world and idea about it (though it can be interesting too). I want to keep photography my own creative healing and I don’t really care about techniques or things people think you need to do. But it’s still more than a hobby, I spend more time photographing than studying I think. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I’ve got many heroes. Photographers I really like are Sally Mann and Francesca Woodman, it sounds like the obvious ones, but their work is truly amazing and mesmerizing. I’m also very influenced by musicians, actors, dancers … just artists in general. I love to take photos of them. My biggest influence has to be my family; my sisters and my mom.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These pictures are all very dear to me. They are created at a point where I got lost or found and that makes it already very individualistic. The inspiration behind each of these are my experiences and more precisely the emotions they bring along. I just hope that people won’t need explanation but just have some sort of inexplicable understanding of the feelings I try to portray. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? All things that keep the creativity going; writing, theater, concepts/shoots, acting, creating little films… What are your plans for the future? Where to start... I try not to be to dreamy, but I don’t want to be a complete realist either (I couldn’t manage to be a good one either I think). I just hope I can meet many people, that I can travel the world and that I can keep creating and growing. The future is getting less blurry then 4 years ago and that’s a good sign, so I guess I’ll take it as it comes. • 117
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Web: http://flickr.com/oonavdl http://oonavdl.blogspot.be http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oona-Robin/155963844516093
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Julia De Santis 23 / Maine
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I turned to photography as a way to create, understand, and express my evolving beliefs that the earth is sacred and everything is connected—beliefs that were revolutionary to my upper-class, Christian understanding of the world. My camera filled the spaces in between as I searched for a deeper understanding of my place in the world. The summer I was 19, I worked at a hospital in rural Kenya. There, I found that taking photographs honored my friends and provided a way to connect with strangers while helping me understand my own experience and share it with people half-way around the world. But I didn’t buy my own DSLR camera until two summers ago. I was preparing to stay in eastern Kentucky with my grandmother, and I knew that if I didn’t make the commitment and buy a camera, I would miss out on photographs I could never take again. What is your current relationship with photography? I am a part-time professional, and I will always be a student. I am about to turn 24, and I am determined to become more confident and less self-critical before I get any older. I hesitate to take nude photographs, set-up elaborate scenes, or make anyone too uncomfortable, but it’s time to conquer my fears. I’m ready. Who, or what, is your biggest influence? I am most influenced by my dreams of what is possible and what needs to happen for the world to be a more peaceful place. Of course, I am also influenced by the injustices of the world, the hurt, the fear, and the loneliness. A Serbian Proverb has been floating around in my mind lately, “Be humble for you are made of earth, be noble for you are made of stars.” It is this awe and respect for life that I want to spread.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. After moving from NYC to an island off the coast of Maine for school, I immersed myself in the natural world. Often alone with my camera, I reveled in solitude and in the inner peace that came with my awareness of and connection to the unfolding world. Solitude has pushed me to open myself up to new experiences. These photos strive to capture those moments and desires I found in solitude: I want to gaze with wonder at strong trees crackling and disappearing in a blizzard. I want to reach for sunlight with open hands, watch the lights of a city glitter as the ocean tide pulls out. I want to speak to the trees and kiss the earth and fall asleep naked on mossy ground. I want to be an alchemist, studying the light of creation and seeking the patterns born again and again in everything. What are your other hobbies? I deeply enjoy reading, exploring, playing in the sun, swimming in the ocean, and finding new ways to spread love and joy in the world. What are your plans for the future? I dream of having a community arts center that uses the healing power of storytelling and art to transform distressed, post-conflict communities. I imagine this place to also be a nature sanctuary and children’s home or summer camp. In the immediate future, I am looking into the Peace Corps and programs in social work, art therapy, environmental visual communications, nationalism, and gender studies. I am also looking for friends to challenge me to become a better photographer (and so please be in touch if you’re interested!). • 123
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Web: http://awildsoul.com
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Stefan Yambao
20 / Ann Arbor, Michigan
“Boy on a Midwestern Night” I’d rather be alone! he shouted to Cygnus and Lyra, I’m not sick like they say, and everything is all right!
He lay on his back in a little meadow surrounded by pine trees that shot up and pierced the summer constellations in their evergreen and ever-growing glory; he fiddled with the seashell his best friend had collected early that morning. She’d teased him earlier that day, possessed by possessiveness and tired of makeshift caresses that she believed wouldn’t amuse even a dog —“you boring thing.”
He wasn’t amusing and he wasn’t her muse, just a quiet boy who drank sweet tea and ate donuts with jelly filling that made him feel good because he was so skinny, skinny and skinny dipping in skinny love that made him feel naked and cold in July sunshine. It was his idea to take it slow
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easy, andante
slower, adagio
—but she lived too fast, too, too fast, allegro! vivace! —“presto, too slow!”
and nothing felt right, nothing felt home, there were lanterns lit on birch branches and tea sets used daily and rabbit portraits hung up but they all spun around him pointlessly—none of it mattered with her so he lay on his back staring at Sagittarius and constellations he did not know but believed were there, fumbled with the shell in his palms and her words weighed on his chest, “poor boy, stupid boy,”
those words she uttered as she paced across the kitchen as he ran out the door as she clawed at his back and yelled he was sick and that all was not right. 127
“Memoirs of the Last Man on Earth”
The world had ended a thousand times before, and always violently—until that summer. That summer, there were no stars exploding just miles above the atmosphere, no black holes or solar flares to rend the earth asunder, no moons to crash into Florence or Paris or Edinburgh. Mars and Sagittarius were still intact; all the other planets and constellations, too. The world just— stopped. Or slowed. The flowers exploded, and a kiss lasted centuries.
Petals in the air. Armageddon was gentle that year.
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“Cynicism”
And then it happened—disenchantment. That moment after you’re spinning in circles alone in the sunlight, where you stagger and trip over your own feet and suddenly you’re kissing the grass and wondering shoot, what the hell am I doing with my life? and no one answers you because you were alone the whole time, alone except for the gnats and dandelion seeds whizzing and floating above you, and you feel really stupid because you were happy for what felt like forever and suddenly, suddenly you were pulled back, it was like waking up from a dream or surfacing from the sea, and that sunlight you were spinning around in never is as pretty as it was before.
Web: http://seaside-cottage.tumblr.com http://flickr.com/sfevereiro
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Claire Burrelli
33 / Montreal, QuĂŠbec, Canada
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I have been taking photos for quite a long time. My first camera was a 660 polaroid my grandfather offered me when I was 8 years old. What is your current relationship with photography? I am technically still a student in graphic design with few photography courses left I have to take. However photography will always be my favourite hobby. I can’t draw a clear line between hobby and work... Who, or what is your biggest influence? I really admire the work of Sally Man and Sophie Calle. I also take my inspiration from the people around me, and the environment I live in.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. I took these images a little bit before and while I was pregnant. At this time I felt very alone, sometimes in a sad way but I needed to rest a lot and think about this new part of my life who was going to start. Now, 3 years after I look back on them and I feel the calm and softness of this period. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I love traveling and discovering news places. Recently I help my partner a bit with his audio visual projects. Finally I play a lot with my son! What are your plans for the future? I am working on some collaborative projects with other photographers and I am doing a portrait book for a friend. I also planned to work on a autobiographic project while I will go to France beginning of 2013. •
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Web: http://klr.quadbyte.net
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Sarah Hibner 23 / Tempe, AZ
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? When I was a kid a handful of my relatives were photography buffs, and they would occasionally parade around the house with their complicated-looking equipment — something that obviously impressed a 5 year-old me. Initially it was the cameras themselves that interested me far more than the actual photography — they are beautiful machines. In middle school I started taking photos with disposable cameras, and continued taking photos in that way for years, until I received my first digital camera in high school. The funny thing is that despite the beauty I find in the construction of film cameras, I’ve always approached photography in the simplest and most affordable way I can, and that includes the type of cameras I’ve used — absolutely nothing fancy at all. What is your current relationship with photography? Photography has always been more of a hobby to me, something personal and occasionally difficult for me to share with others. It wasn’t until very, very recently that I gained enough confidence in my body of work to try promoting it in any capacity. I studied graphic design in college, and in the time that it took me to complete my higher education and allow the knowledge to settle, I have noticed that my photography has inadvertently been positively affected. One of the reasons why I’ve shied away from even calling myself a photographer in the past is because I don’t necessarily feel as if I do the medium justice. In the act of taking a photo, the last thing on my mind is the hardware, the settings, or any of the technical jargon. I am focused solely on the composition, the story - the meaning behind what’s being captured. Almost all of my photos are edited on the computer after the fact, and I know this is something that many photographers detest, too. But given that I have embraced photography as a very personal endeavor, I long ago decided not to concern myself with the ‘right’ way of executing what I consider to be one of my passions. My goal with photography is to tell my story, and to that end, I consider it to be a twopart process: The physical act of taking the photo, and the digital act of further emphasizing its meaning.
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Who, or what is your biggest influence? There’s not any one photographer that I can pinpoint as my biggest influence as much as the overall digital culture of photography that has developed on the internet in the past few years. Candid/street/lifestyle/urban photographers, the likes of whom I’ve found on Flickr and Tumblr are my biggest inspiration. They treat photography as a means of documenting life stories that are already colorful and interesting. This resonates with me, and inspired me to do the same because I feel I have an interesting story to tell. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. I think these photos beautifully frame moments in my life that I may have otherwise cast off as mundane. Despite the fact that I was around people when I took most of them, they still seem to communicate the isolation that is inherent in awareness. It’s a reflection of how I’ve treated photography for so long - as something I do in hiding, by myself, and with minimal notice or involvement by others, but also as something that is rife with meaning and a message, even if I’m the only one that receives it. In some photos, that solitude is nostalgic, as in the photo of an old driveway from a house I use to rent. In others, that solitude is more indicative of a moment of respite from craziness, like in the photo of my friend/bandmate Eric sleeping in his truck on the way back from one of our out-of-town shows. In yet others, that solitude is manufactured, as is the case in the photo of a doorway to a garden, which was taken at a castle-turned-museum in Mexico city, and which was crawling with people until I found the exact right time to take a shot without anyone in it. In all cases the photos serve as that moment for myself when I can take a step back while simultaneously looking within. It’s as if I’m taking the memory of the moment from my head, and transposing it into something more concrete. This above all is why I think these photos are influenced by solitude - they take the very isolated experience of the self, and externalize it. 139
What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Graphic design, music, fashion, bicycling, and learning about astrophysics, ancient Egypt and pre-Hispanic Mexico. What are your plans for the future? I am really bad at planning for the future, but I do know that regardless of what happens, I’d like to continue making a creative living. I’d like to continue working professionally as a graphic designer — my dream is to one day design for a fashion magazine. I’m also in a band (Future Loves Past), and it would be amazing to work up to being signed to a label or at least becoming nationally recognized, but that’s still feels a ways off for us despite how much support we’ve received in such a short amount of time. I guess you could say my plans for the future are to not make too many plans but to stay busy doing what I love. •
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Web: www.behance.net/shibner http://king-tooth.tumblr.com
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Marjolein Audrey Banis Netherlands How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? When I could walk my father gave me my first camera, I cannot even remember life without one. I have been photographing 17 years now. What is your current relationship with photography? Photography is my life, I work as an art director during the day and viciously perusing real images in all of the spare time I have. I do hybrid work mostly; digital to analog photography. Who, or what is your biggest influence? Influence from painters and illustrators, next to Alfred Stieglitz. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These images were based on an eerie nightmare actually (hence the name alptraum.) We had the model posing in statuesque manner in these fantastic designer clothes and it was almost unreal. We went for sailor inspired illustrations (you can spot a compass for example in one of the photos) because we shot this next to the river Ijssel. I feel lost seeing all the water and it brings up that feeling of feeling lost in such a vast space that I once had in the Alps. The references of the drawn symbols are the attempt to find a direction. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Illustration and my frenclop :) What are your plans for the future? Get the hybrid series ready and visit three specialized galleries in the city next year as well as trying to make a difference. •
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Stylist: Nienke van Duinkerken Designer Dress (plastic) Leonie Smelt Designer Dress (tight) by Rachel Prijs Makeup/Hair: Muah Tynke Jeeninga Model : Lotte Uvt
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Web: www.dashdot.nl
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Nicola Dorman 27 / Norfolk, UK
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I have been taking photographs for years and years but I became addicted when I lived in my own little cottage. My garden became a place for me to explore with a macro lens and a whole other world came alive to me. It is only over the last year I moved from nature photography to finding grace and movement elsewhere.. and I am completely smitten. What is your current relationship with photography? I would love to say photography is my profession but its more of an escape for me from the mundanities of life.. when I feel as though I need an adventure and a challenge I pick up my camera. Who, or what is your biggest influence? Without doubt my biggest influence is old postcard images.. the colours and romance have always appealed to me and so increasingly I use this style in my work.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. This particular day I was supposed to be photographing a model but she let me down at the last minute so instead of moping about it I went to the nearest shop, bought myself a new dress and headed down to the beach for a walk. I found myself getting lost among the beach huts and soon realised there was not another person around as far as the eye could see. My mobile phone was dead and I had no money and I was feeling pretty down and out.. so I set my camera down and decided to take some self portraits. I needed to let loose and remind myself how lucky I am simply to be alive. For me when I am alone is when I feel the most creative‌ Just being me. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I love to read old wartime romance novels, I am a massively keen gardener. I like the simple things in life and I am happiest curled up with a cup of tea and my cat on my lap. What are your plans for the future? Photographically speaking I don’t really plan. I lay awake at night and think up wonderful images and then try and create them the next day and thats how my work comes to fruition. I dream and then i make the dream a reality.. I think I will always be that way. •
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Web: http://alittlebloomingrace.wordpress.com
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Jovana Damnjanovic 154
26 / Nis, Serbia
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How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I became interested when I was 11 or 12... My father started working in Germany and his landlord worked in the Fujifilm company at the time, so I always had lot rolls of film. I started experimenting back then. I stopped photographing through high school, and started again in 2007. So, I’ve been active for almost 6 years. What is your current relationship with photography? I hate to say it’s just a hobby because I’ve grown to love it so much. It’s a part of my everyday life, now. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I don’t want to say any particular names... A lot of people inspire me and influenced on me. From well-known artist in general, to local photographers. Also, people that I live with, close friends and things that I see everyday. •
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. All of my images are kind of melancholic, and just because of that, they relate to solitude... I perceive it in that way. Also, I think about it in a positive way. Thinking about solitude and feeling it, brings me back to childhood and where I grew up. It is quite inspiring. And liberating, as well. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Don’t really have that many... Photography is the only thing where I found myself. In my free time I like to read, watch films, follow other photographers work and find inspiration. What are your plans for the future? I am looking for a job, at the moment. Hoping to travel more and take as many photos as I can. •
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Web: http://cargocollective.com/jovana_damnjanovic http://flickr.commy_lady_vengeance
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Rachel Abraham 21 / Cambridge, UK
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I have been photographing for 5/6 years now, I used to do a lot of painting and was always interested in the visual media, I was always frustrated by how my paintings were never realistic. My friend had an SLR camera and we would go on bike rides and I’d take photos on my compact of rape-seed fields, I became fascinated by the rules of composition, positioning objects within the frame to look right. From this I developed much more of an interest into the creative side and let go of the rules and developed my own style. What is your current relationship with photography? I am now about to enter my final year of university studying ‘Contemporary Photographic Practice’ at UCA, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions and struggles but I don’t regret it, I am more confident and have faith in my skills which I never had before, it was the meeting of new creative teams and going on internships that really pushed me to be brave and I am so grateful for that pressure. I am almost ready to start my career I know what I need to do, it’s just having the time between university work untill I graduate to make it happen. Who, or what is your biggest influence? Most of my influences are from looking at fashion imagery, I am always buying magazines and looking at Tumblr, Flickr etc to gain inspiration. At the moment I’m really into the work of Deborah Turbeville, Mert & Marcus and I’ve always been a big fan of Tim Walker. I also find that location scouting is one thing that inspires the start of the shoot planning process, I see somewhere beautiful and all these ideas about what I could do there start to flow.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. My work ‘That place and I’ focuses on places we go when we want to be alone, everyone has a place they go to relax and escape when we need to be alone, a place which inspires us and motivates the inner beauty in us all to become better people and overcome all those obstacles in life. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I love to sing! I would have loved to have gone down the musical theatre route but I just never really happened. I’m really into baking at the moment, I bought some flowerpot silicon cupcake moulds recently, they are so cute. I’m also a little bit of a gamer, every girl loves a bit of Tomb Raider! What are your plans for the future? I would love to have my work published in big name magazines such as Lula and Love, that’s my dream really, I will hopefully be shooting for clothing companies and paid fashion work maybe one day for campaigns and editorials. I’d love to get an agent as well, I hate the business side of it all! Who knows what will happen… ! •
Model: Jessica Morfey Makeup: Emma Knight
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Web: www.rachelabraham.co.uk
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RubĂŠn Juan Montesinos 166
19 / Valencia, Spain
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Web: www.rbnisonfire.com
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What’s Next Issue No. 7 The theme for the next issue is The Future. What do you imagine the future to be like? Is it dark and uncertain, or is it happy and bright? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Your country? Your world?As an artist, you have creative freedom to conceptualize a work of art in any way you choose, in regards to the theme. Please consider your submission carefully, as not all submissions will be chosen for publication. We accept photography, fine art, and creative writing! Deadline for submissions: November 10, 2012 Expected release date: December 21, 2012 To submit your work for consideration please send samples to: theunexposedmag@gmail.com For more guidelines on submissions please visit: http://the-unexposed.tumblr.com/submissions
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