Issue 07
CURIOUS Winter — 2015
A letter from our editor
W
elcome to a new year and a new issue! We were working on putting the finishing
touches to this lovely edition as 2015 rolled in. Pausing to reflect on the previous year brings to mind the artistic aspirations and dreams that live in the near future, such as achieving a balance of commercial and personal success. An exciting and frustrating challenge for any artist today, the interviews in this issue reflect on that point. From imagining life beyond the constraints of reality to noticing the beauty in simple moments the curiosity of this issue's artists propel them to create extraordinary things. Daria Tessler shares rich stories and amusing characters in her wonderfully imaginative illustrations that transport us to another world. In her “Curiouser and Curiouser” editorial, Ashley Holloway brings us a beautiful modern take on the classic Alice in Wonderland stories. She chose the lush forests of Florida as her setting to invoke a magical ambiance. Veronika Naumova also drew inspiration from fantasy for her photos inspired by the film “Labyrinth”. The heroine of her story recognizes that life is like navigating a labyrinth, things are not always as they seem. Photographer Marjolein Banis features unconventional fashion designers in her work and breaks the rules to create truly unique images. Catherine Ramsay highlights nostalgic moments and understated beauty in her portraits. Paulina Jarzembska explores shooting her subjects in wide open landscapes of Warsaw, her subdued color pallet and soft lighting gives off a sense of serenity. For her story “Forgotten World”, Marta Kaczmarek found inspiration from Amish culture which is free from the material world of the 21st century—making the finer details of life easier to appreciate. In the new year we hope you allow time to experiment with art, explore your curiosities and continue to be passionate about what you love to do and make. The artists we’ve featured in this issue do just that and we hope you find them inspiring!
Issue 07
But here in dreamland’s centre, No spoiler’s hand may enter, These visions fair, this radiance rare, Shall never pass away. — Excerpt from Dreamland by Lewis Carrol
Editor In Chief: Melissa Chapman
Visit: thespoilershand.com Contact: info@thespoilershand.com
Creative Director and Designer: Felecia Wolff
CURIOUS Winter 2015 — Issue № 07
Contents 04
Overcoming Galleries
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Tiny Pieces
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Curiouser & Curiouser
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Animal Sleep Stories
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Journey Into the Wonderland
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Hybrid Photography
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Forgotten World
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List of Contributers
Cover: Photo by Ashley Holloway
The Spoiler’s Hand is a quarterly photo/art/design magazine. No part of The Spoiler’s Hand may be copied or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher and copyright holder(s). Great care was taken to ensure all information is correct at time of printing. The Spoiler’s Hand cannot be held responsible for error or omissions.
Photography by: Veronika Naumova Make-up and Hair by: Xenia Miller Fashion Designer: Maria Joachim, Veronika Naumova Model: Sveta Buldakova—Eskimo
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Tiny Pieces Catherine Ramsay Catherine Ramsay is an emerging Australian photographer that beautifully captures subtle every-day moments of teenage life. She notices small gestures and quiet expressions and makes them special by interpreting their beauty. Her images are light, freeing and romantic. She carefully incorporates the environment while maintaining focus on her muse. Her work has the feel of a film still; emitting a sense of nostalgia while revealing a glimpse of the subjects personality and a piece of their story. This emerging artist has exhibited throughout Australia and contributes her skills to local fashion and commerce clients.
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Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in photography? I've always been a creative spirit—my mother would attest to that. She realized very early on, that I was full of imagination and she helped to nurture my creativity with books and classes. However, I put off taking art as a subject in high school until my final year; I felt there was no future in it at the time. When I finally did join, I found that the one medium that really stuck was photography, and after winning a place at a few national competitions that my teacher had entered me in, I was hooked.
———————————————————————————————— Do you think of your subjects as muses and/or sources of inspiration? Why or why not? Yes, definitely! There are a number of local Brisbane models that I keep my eye on. Sometimes I create shoots with a particular model already in mind because I feel that their look or their attitude perfectly embodies the character I want to portray. Besides Australian models, there are many international models and actors that I would definitely consider to be muses, and I’m finding new ones all the time.
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How has your work evolved from when you first began compared to your current style and process? When I first began, I don’t think I knew exactly what style I liked best. I tried my hand at everything and didn’t really have a lot of consistency. These days, I think my shooting and editing process is finally at a place that I’m happy with—I like to convey a sense of whimsy and nostalgia, romance and softness.
———————————————————————————————— What excites you most about creating your work? When I get to create something for myself, with my own original ideas, it’s literally like making a dream come true. That’s really exciting for me. I mean, it's one thing to think up these fantastic shoot ideas, but it's another thing to see it come to fruition; then being able to share it with the whole world.
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What is one of your most memorable shoot experiences? Probably my last (unreleased) shoot actually. It stemmed from an idea that I had had for a long time, but wasn’t sure how to make it work. I spent a ridiculous amount of time working on the props and the costume, which didn’t matter too much to me because I wanted to give it my best shot. I wanted it to be memorable. There’s always something to take away from a shoot though, each one is special in its own way.
———————————————————————————————— What sort of challenges do you face working as a photographer? Besides the usual factors, like trying to get noticed and producing something that’s unique, I find that it’s not always possible to create something exactly how you first envisioned it. Often, the kind of location you’re after isn’t within reach or you don’t have the budget, the props or the wardrobe. I try not to let this get me down though. I make the most of what I have—quite often simple is better anyway!
———————————————————————————————— You have an eye for capturing emotive expressions and natural moments— do you have any advice on working with models and posing? Thank you! Before I start shooting I like to brief my models on what I’m looking for. I tell them to forget about the camera—they don’t always have to be looking at me. I find this helps them to relax and their expressions become more natural. I then tell them to pretend that they’re a character in a story. I set the scene, they act it out.
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Curiouser and
Curiouser Photography by: Ashley Holloway Make-up: Sherry Restifo Hair by: Kelly Segarra Styling by: Argie Mitra Model: Lindsey Crown — Wilhelmina Miami
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Floral dress by: Pink Underground White dress, gloves & shoes by: Joie de Vintage 33
Overalls & Hat by: Mitra Top by: Vince Camuto Shoes by: Joie de Vintage
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Dress & Headband by: Mitra Brooch Pocket watch by: Violet Ray Stockings by: Wolford Shoes by: Pinup Couture
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Gown by: Mitra Bracelet by: Pink Underground Shoes by: Vivienne Westwood for Melissa 36
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Top & skirt by: Mitra Peacock brooch & cuff by: Pink Underground Shoes by: Kate Spade
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Gown by: Mitra Bracelet by: Pink Underground Shoes by: Vivienne Westwood for Melissa
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Floral Dress by: Pink Underground White dress, gloves & shoes by: Joie de Vintage 40
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Gown by: Mitra Bracelet by: Pink Underground Shoes by: Vivienne Westwood for Melissa
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Sweater by: Joie de Vintage Bra top by: Nasty Gal Skirt by: Pendleton Crinoline by: Tatyana
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Overalls & Hat by: Mitra Top by: Vince Camuto Shoes by: Joie de Vintage
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Animal sleep stories daria tessler Daria Tessler invites us into to her world through whimsical and quirky narratives that feel as if they are part of a strange dream. Animals, people and creatures dance through her vibrant illustrations and silk screens. The Oregon based artist lovingly translates her visions into hand-made items—including stationary and books. (We especially love her Animal sleep stories coloring book!) Her educational background in the realistic world of physics and math uniquely combines with a love for expressing the absurd. The result is an unexpected and delightful bend in reality that viewers can relate to on a personal level.
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Your unique imagination is reflected in the quirky characters and dream-like qualities of your work. Why do you think you are drawn to express this magical children's book illustration type feeling? In college I intended to major in physics but derailed in my fourth year and switched to art. I'm an analytical person and in another life I could have become a scientist or mathematician. I don't really believe in magic of any sort, but it's fun to dream about what might be possible in a world without the constraints we live in. I find it very satisfying to defy logic and to embrace absurdity. I sometimes dream I've come up with an absurd surreal joke, like a gag for a comic strip, and I wake myself up laughing out loud like it's the funniest thing ever. Then it slowly dawns on me that in waking life the joke makes no sense and isn't funny at all. I try to channel that strange sense of unreasonableness a little bit in my work.
———————————————————————————————— What excites you most about creating art? I like the internal journey, a dialogue with some panel of inner voices. It's really the only aspect of my life that feels in any way spiritual. The end result is never what I imagine it will be, and for the rare winning moments when I surpass my own expectations, often accidentally, those are the moments that keep me excited and motivated.
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The story-like nature of your work invites viewers to develop their own stories and ideas behind your images. I love that this adds almost a collaborative element. Do you ever consider what kind of affect your art will have on others? Have you ever been surprised by any reactions to your work? I'm a bit sad to say that I think I dwell too much on anticipating how a piece I make will affect others. I wish I could ignore that impulse and work with more commitment to my own personal ideals, but in a sense I censor myself when I guess at what my audience will respond well to. It's a terrible trap to anticipate your audience's response, but I suppose an element of compromise keeps my work approachable and more relatable—otherwise it would veer off into a realm that would be much wilder, more free-form and alien. Ideally I would be able to embrace that, I would really love to, but in the real world I am fettered by the practical concerns of a profession that revolves around making my audience happy. I'm constantly surprised by reactions to my work, there is such a broad range of interpretations and responses. I create images with narrative ambiguity. That leaves quite a bit of room for people to insert or project their experiences into what they see and this really affects how they interpret an image; Whether they find it charming or sinister, or whether an unexpected element in a strange environment leaves them with a sense of wonder or a sense of discomfort. It seems so unpredictable and personal, it's a revelation to me every time! Like a chemistry experiment, and I find the collaborative element to be fun and exciting when the results are positive.
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What long-term dreams and goals are you striving towards currently and how do you keep motivated and inspired each step of the way? I'd love to find the time to work on more animation projects, and get better at creating my own music for them. I'm also working on a graphic novel—I'm two years and 90 pages into it, and hope to have it out in the world in another two years. As for motivation, I'm always chasing the chimera of success, but what it means to be successful seems to continually change and a sense of satisfying achievement eludes me. It's a carrot at the end of a stick that hangs over my head, and I'm the silly donkey that just keeps running at it. As for inspiration, I'll knock on wood, but that has never been in short supply for me. The trouble is finding enough time to transform that inspiration into something concrete—shape my endless list of ideas, good and bad, into workable images. Also I live in a great place where I am a part of an amazing community of artists, mostly nontraditional cartoonists, who challenge and inspire me to make the best art I can make—to collaborate, to try new things, to live as creatively as possible in all aspects of my life.
———————————————————————————————— Where can we find you when you aren't busy creating lovely silkscreens and books? I love bookstores and libraries. I also spend some time hiking, canoeing and camping. For me the best time is feeling some kind of awe and peace within the canopy of a beautiful old forest, feeling the wide open dry crackle of the desert or going to the beach and just watching the ocean be itself.
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Coat by: Monolog Trousers by: Mazurek Mańka Bag by: Mybag, pakamera.pl Boots by: H&M
journey into the wonderland Photography by: Paulina Jarzembska Make-up and Hair by: Karolina Shumilas Styling by: Małgorzata Ejmocka Model: Karolina Mikołajczyk -D'vision
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Jacket by: Peperuna. Maxi skirt by: Mazurek Mańka, pakamera.pl Top & boots by: H&M
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Shirt & Skirt by: Mazurek Mańka
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Coat by: 8 MN Dress by: Mode Love, pakamera.pl
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Coat by: 8 MN Dress by: Mode Love, pakamera.pl
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hybrid photography dashdot Marjolein Banis is a Netherlands based photographer that continuously challenges our ideas on what photography should be, by exploring innovative ways to share visual stories. She incorporates mixed media and utilizes a variety of creative tools and lighting techniques. From hand-printing film to digital collage projects, she is not afraid to experiment. These creative risks pay off with imagery that is both beautiful and well-crafted. Her work ranges from playfully vibrant, to dark and brooding. Themes reflecting in her images include personal transformation, discovering one’s true self, sensuality and rebellion. She appears to be simultaneously exploring the human psyche as she explores the artistic process. It’s exciting to see an artist bend the rules and stay true to their vision and passion.
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Your work incorporates a broad range of techniques and materials but it still maintains a recognizable look throughout. Do you have any advice for artists on how to find and develop their own personal style? Thanks! I personally don't focus on my style but I guess if you work on something that’s prepared with care and stands close to you that will show. It can be difficult if you want to publish something for [a magazine]. I get a lot of 'great work but it does not fit our style' replies. But if I would create something that is already there (and will fit styles easily) why would we spend time on that in the first place? That one can be done in a commercial job already.
———————————————————————————————— The wardrobe styling and make-up in your fashion work is highly stylized and creative, how do you translate your vision and ideas to your team? What aspect of working with others do you enjoy most? I make a conceptual inspiration document with all kinds of imagery, pass that on and then all team members go about and make their own mood board focusing on their field of work. I love it when people plan and own a concept and take the liberty to get inspired by what they feel and see during a shoot. Then we can start to make something unique and rise above ourselves when collaborating. (I call it ad-hoc working) Furthermore, working with young designers gives us the opportunity to work with innovative high-fashion pieces and have the liberty not to conform to any style.
———————————————————————————————— Your photography is emotive and thought provoking. Where do you find your inspiration? Does your mood and daily life affect your ideas? My inspiration is in stories, everyday life and things indeed. I love the world, but like escaping it and creating our own world. It’s awesome we have a medium that gives us the opportunity to create something on its own—and because it’s a living idea, it can become more than an image on itself. Because it’s a process, moods and instances don't matter that much.
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Can you tell us about future projects and goals that you will be working towards this year? This year is about small teams, darker light, and more detailed concepts. It will take more time to prep with the team—but keeping it small I think will give more awesomeness back—and I hope to do a lot of work on location, outdoors
———————————————————————————————— Why is photography your choice of medium for expression? It’s a medium that focuses out of the world, it’s very direct and I love the tinkering with light (well better said, shadow). Also, working with this medium gives me the opportunity to capture digitally and choose if it will be analog—so I can play with chemicals and more light. Photography (of people) is teamwork which is something inspiring as well!
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On Magdalena - Shirt by: Only Skirt by: H&M Hat by: Atmosphere Shoes by: Bata. On Patryk - Hate and Shirt: Vintage Trousers by: Zara Suspenders by: Reserved
Forgotten World Photography by: Marta Kaczmarek Make-up: Paula Chamernik Hair by: Olivia Miklasz Styling by: Agnieszka Nowicka Models: Magdalena Szynkowska & Patryk Wajer — Hysteria Models Management
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Blouse by: H&M Trousers by: Zara Shoes by: Deezee Hat: Vintage
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On Magdalena - Dress by: Zara Hat by: Atmosphere Shoes by: Bata On Patryk - Blouse by: H&M Trousers by: Zara Shoes by: Deezee Hate: Vintage
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Dress by: Zara Hat by: Atmosphere Shoes by: Bata
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On Magdalena - Shirt by: Vero moda Vest by: H&M Trousers by: Vero moda Shoes by: Bata On Patryk - Shirt: Vintage Jacket by: Jack&Jones Trousers by: Jack&Jones Shoes by: Deezee
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List of Contributors
PHOTOGRAPHERS Ashley Holloway - Lutz, Florida Catherine Ramsay - Brisbane, Australia Marjolein Banis - Zwolle, Netherlands Marta Kaczmarek - Bydgoszcz, Poland Paulina Jarzembska - Gdansk, Poland Veronika Naumova - Omsk, Russia
ARTISTS Daria Tessler - Portland Oregon
THE SPOILER’S HAND Melissa Chapman - New York, NY Felecia Wolff - New York, NY
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CURIOUS Winter 2015 — Issue № 07
The Spoiler’s Hand is a quarterly photo/art/design magazine. No part of The Spoiler’s Hand may be copied or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher and copyright holder(s). Great care was taken to ensure all information is correct at time of printing. The Spoiler’s Hand cannot be held responsible for error or omissions.
Please visit our website to learn more — thespoilershand.com