The Unexposed
Issue No. 4
The Unexposed
a magazine for emerging artists
Editor In-Chief Natasha Dominguez
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Front and back cover photograph by Alena Lobanova. All content copyright the artists. No commercial use without express written permission. Š 2012
Table Of Contents A Letter From The Editor What's Next
...4 . . . 141
Photography Beth Parnaby Domonkos NĂŠmeth Henry Driver Jenn Collins Amanda Hall Alena Lobanova Cometas Perdidos Gia An Nguyen Jenna Owczarek Marija KablytÄ— Luc Kordas Marisa Chaftez Mario Orellana Tiffany Dawn Nicholson Usra ElMadhoun Vikky Ivie Sara Berihuete Ingrid Wang Meire Todao
Fine Art ...6 . . . 12 . . . 18 . . . 24 . . . 30 . . . 38 . . . 44 . . . 50 . . . 62 . . . 70 . . . 76 . . . 88 . . . 94 . . . 100 . . . 106 . . . 112 . . . 118 . . . 124 . . . 130
Jad Ghadieh Rolandas Ivanauskas
. . . 56 . . . 82
Writing Jad Ghadieh Selena Dominguez Patrick Mahon
. . . 36 . . . 68 . . . 136
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Photograph by Natasha Dominguez
A Letter From The Editor When I think of youth, I think of a time filled with innocence, wonder, and joy. Where anything and everything is new and exciting‌ The simplest thing can bring an expression of amazement across a child's face. To me, that is pure magic of outh. Everyone in the world has experienced this aspect of life, but the experience is not the same for everybody. In this issue, 23 artists from all over the world share their artwork inspired by their interpretation of what it means to be young.
-Natasha
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Beth Parnaby 17 / England, United Kingdom
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I've been photographing for three years or so but only really started dedicating myself to taking photos and presenting them properly in September 2011. There was something that clicked and it allowed me to explore more and experiment more in photography. I happened to feel more confident in trying new things within photography. But before that... I was always looking at photographs and wishing I could have such things of my own to hold my own memories; I used to follow lots of photography Blog's and Flickr Photostream's checking up regularly on their updates and their photography. It was so interesting and I loved it. Before photography became my main outlet or 'hobby', I was and still am interesting in Arts. Anything artistic is so intriguing to me, so exciting. What is your current relationship with photography? I am currently taking an A level in Photography as well as carrying out my own personal projects and photographic journey. I guess I keep a visual diary, of some sort. Who, or what is your biggest influence? There are so many different photographers who influence my photography, and who initially made me yearn to accomplish something in photography and it'd be difficult to list them without missing some off. Other than other photographers: experiences of my own and emotions, or dreams and nature - as cliché as it may sound. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. The photographs that are here are influenced by youth and exploring. Growing, experiences.. things like that. The inspiration behind them would be the places and nature in which they were taken, or the weather and lighting. They show my youth right now, as I am still a youth - I go exploring, I take photos and I embrace what I can. These photos, to me, show that. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I really like reading books, riding my bike and going out for runs now and again. What are your plans for the future? I hope to achieve dreams, as such. I would really like to accomplish things and be able to be proud of myself as I grow and learn. I'm planning on heading to University after College to do a Degree in Photography. I've never been one to really map out my future. •
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Website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bethparnaby 11
Domonkos NĂŠmeth 20/ Budapest, Hungary
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I got my first camera at the age of 10, but for four years, I was not so interested in taking pictures. Then came the first digital camera in the family, and I started to take pictures, as an amateur. But if you asked me, how long I have been photographing seriously, I must say since I started using more film, again. That was about three years ago. What is your current relationship with photography? It's much more than a hobby, it's a very important part of my life. I could say those cliches that 'It's my way of exploring the world' or 'That's how I express my feelings' etc. All of them are true about me, and false at the same time. Unfortunately (or who knows...) I'm not studying it currently on university. Who, or what is your biggest influence? Everything around me influences my thinking and some of this influences may appear on my photos. Being a kind of an 'artist' is a way of living: examining every phenomena and every detail around you, including feelings and emotions. There are many photographers who inspire me, not just the old masters such as Kertész, but even many contemporary artist, like the teachers of the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design. I also have a 'master' with whom I often discuss pictures ad projects, her name is Alida Kovács.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. Last summer I went hitchhiking with my good friend, and when we arrived in Munich, we decided to visit the nearest pub before doing anything else. There we found a nice old lady (the bartender), fine beer, and some funny postcards. Our favorite was the one with red letters saying 'Thanks for nothing!'. We took a half dozen of it. Two months later, at home, I had the idea of taking photos at parties and nightlife, with the postcard in the pictures. It was also my first time, consciously following Hemingway's advice 'Write drunk, edit sober.' The things I found were funny or absurd, and somehow, this text gave them some plus meaning. It represents the reflection of the young to this world, and –at the same time– these pictures are the parodic overstatement of the very fashionable 'trash' photography. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I like reading, riding a bicycle, hiking and hitchhiking, cooking, and a lot of other things. I am interested in art history and philosophy, and in almost everything. I just passed my German language exam, and I already started memorizing the Russian alphabet... I try to use my brain's power as long as it's young and 'elastic'. What are your plans for the future? It turns out in two months, whether I study psychology or philosophy from the next semester. Later, I would like to study photography at the University I mentioned above.
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Links: http://flickr.com/photos/nemdomi http://justtoshowoff.tumblr.com
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Henry Driver 19 / Suffolk, England
How did you first become interested in photography? As a child I remember being given a camera from my uncle. The first thing I ran to photograph was my favourite toys. I think I documented them all, I find the memory and idea of it all quite funny now. That was my first experience with photography. What is your current relationship with photography? I am currently studying Fine Art. I am interested in creating work which is out of my control where chance or process determines the outcome. I find the process within film photography fascinating. Photography is not direct like painting or drawing where you are physically creating work. I enjoy this lack of physical contact with the work, where light and chemicals produce an image. Who, or what is your biggest influence? For these particular photographs Stephen Gill, Matthew Brant and Saul Leiter were influential in demonstrating to me what could be achieved when using photography as a process to distort imagery from what it was. However, in a more general sense, working with Michael Carlo has had a big effect on how I view and create art. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. Recently, I have been drawn back to parts of my childhood. At the age of nineteen and on the edge of adulthood, it seems natural to look back at my past, what has made and sculptured me into who I am today. The accompanying photographs are of my den and the surrounding area where I spent a large amount of my childhood. Engrossed in my imagination and distant from reality it was like my own kingdom. However, when I returned, it all seemed so different, so corroded and distant. The structures I made stand on their last legs, sullen and heavy under the weight of themselves, slumped on knees drawing last breaths, their wood rotten and brittle like aged bones. Parts have been completely trampled to the ground by unwelcome visitors. Yet at the same time it is so familiar, it is I who has changed. I see the world now from a different height, with different eyes and a different mind. The physical parts of the den may age, degrade but it is my experience of it and the way I look at it which is altered more. I can no longer fit inside the structures or interact with these artifacts of my youth how I once did. Just like I am no longer the child who played here, I can never connect with it in the same way. To revisit a memory but never really be able to touch it or experience it again. I wanted to create work which dealt with this distortion of time how you can never truly revisit a memory because you and it are ever changing. The photographs you see have been ravaged by a variety of analogue and chemical processes. This is to distort and distance the image from what it was just how my memories of the den are distant and no longer correlate with reality. I am no longer the child that played here. The den is no longer what it once was and I no longer view it the same way.
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What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I enjoy playing and listening to music. I recently bought a very old and poorly kept piano which seems to be keeping my attention. It is out of tune and rings heavily but I am mesmerized by its tone which has been heavily distorted with time. I guess that relates to my art work. I am currently writing soundtracks for a collection of videos which I created that also deal with the alteration of time and the revisiting of a memory. What are your plans for the future? At the moment I am creating an installation piece based on this work which will feature video, sound and my most recent photographs. It was a bit daunting at first but it all seems to be coming together now. The installation will feature at my end of year show. •
Website: http://henrydriverartist.blogspot.co.uk
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Jenn Collins 22 / Betonville, Arkansas
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I began shooting when my parents gifted me with my first camera, a Nikon D40, when I was 16. It was such an eye opener for me. I have always been the "artistic" type, but having a camera of my own really opened up a new world. I began photographing everything I could, eventually submitting images into the local county fair, and then onward. What is your current relationship with photography? Photography currently, and hopefully forever, will be my passion. Although I am in school and work a full time job, I see photography as something more than just a "job" or a hobby. It really is a means of expression and communication for me. If I go too long without shooting, I start to go a bit crazy...it truly is an outlet that keeps me sane. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I don't think I can pinpoint my influence to one specific thing. I could be stuck in an all white room and still manage to be inspired. If I look close enough, I can really pull inspiration from anything. Other influences stem from Juergen Teller's punchy contrast and desaturation , Bill Henson's use of color and tones to portray emotion, Tim Walker's imagination and elaborate sets and Irving Penn's relationship between light and dark.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. This series is one that really portrays youth in a way that many wouldn't think of. Youth is often times seen as messy, chaotic and silly. I wanted to find a way to portray youth in a way that was elegant, mature and sensual, while indulging in the things that we love as children and adults, like cake. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I enjoy painting from time to time, reading (currently: The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell...a must read) and hanging out with boyfriend and my cat. What are your plans for the future? Currently I am obtaining my BFA in digital photography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco (online), and moving to L.A. at the end of this year. My biggest goal is to land a job as an editorial or commercial photographer. I'd love to take a minimalistic approach to clothing campaigns and ads, while still maintaining a feeling of fine art portraiture. All in all, I'm very excited to see where photography takes me!
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Model: Madison Arrebella Makeup: Kristin Von Dietrich
Website: http://flickr.com/photos/jenncollins
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Amanda Hall 20 / Chandler, Arizona
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I first started photography when I was 17. I was sitting at an airport when the sun started to come up, shining on the airplanes; I wanted to remember it so I took some pictures and began to appreciate the beauty cameras can identify. Before that cameras were just for family things, not art. I had always thought my memory was better than a camera, but it's not, and nowhere near as interesting. What is your current relationship with photography? Right now I only do photography as a hobby. I would like to take it in school, but I don't have time or the money for it in my schedule since I'm studying psychology. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I know a lot of photographers that blow me away, but have no specific influence. What influences me is light, the surreal, what I see and what I can manipulate so that others see something else. It all depends on the moment.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. I really had in mind this idea of that awkward phase when we are still children in an ever increasingly older setting. I wanted to reveal that transition of losing innocence, while still being largely innocent. I think these photos capture the increased worry and responsibility of getting older, what we leave behind, and the happiness and blissful ignorance we have before this all happens--even if we don't realize it. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I love reading and gaming. Nothing really gives me the same spirit-lift and sense of accomplishment that photography does, but it keeps me busy. What are your plans for the future? I'm planning on getting a masters in psychology eventually. I want to get more of my photos out there, too; if I can make something meaningful to others, that's more than I could ask for.
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Links: http://flickr.com/envisionit http://amandahall.portfoliobox.net
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Drowning Doll By Jad Ghadieh
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Photograph by Natasha Dominguez
The years have taken me worlds away, from a time, and a place, of a doll in a lake, My feet braced on a cliff, But my sight reaching out for the beyond: dreary water, and silence, with a mere reflection: of recklessness, of innocence, of a burning curiosity, with a doll gripped by little fingers, and fragile legs longing to leap off, Then, out of the blue, drifted a bird, swiftly above the lake, a bird to jolt me out of my recklessness, and back to reality, But my fingers quivered, and dropped the doll, it touched the water gently, and faded in its gloominess, I gazed upon a kind of reality, where I just dropped childhood, and now I stare at the reflection of a woman in the water, that abandoned her doll. The only doll she has ever owned.
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Alena Lobanova
24 / Russian Federation, Perm
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? If I recall correctly it was 10 years ago...it was my birthday and it was a great gift from my parents. It was my first film camera. My first pictures described just my everyday life, sometimes it was nature - rivers, cliffs, flowers... and seldom I shot people - my family, friends. Indeed I couldn't imagine that in the measurable future I would love photography. And more importantly that today I know I can't live without photography. My camera is my vision. The world around me is an infinite film of pictures from my soul...my mind... Except for childhood I've been photographing for 3 years already. What is your current relationship with photography? Photography and I are friends. For the moment photography takes a great part of my life, currently I'm a manager in photo studio, and freelance photographer. Up to date I'm working on various photography projects. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I feel inspired by everything in my life - places & spaces, people, faces, pictures, thoughts of great people, colors of nature etc. I love huge spaces of water - seas, oceans, lakes... it gives me the infinite room for creation. I love grand spaces of forests... I love the color green, and I love the book "Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury. I read it every summer and it is my biggest influence. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These photographs imagine young girl Christin. She is 17 years old. I've always wanted to be 17 years ever since I was little. For me it's a perfect age. Chris for me is like Aliсe in Wonderland. Youth is like a wonderland - everywhere you can see strangers (you remember the white rabbit with the clock), everything tells you "drink me," "eat me"... and you drink, you eat... and you are growing up fast... but please remember this time... it's your youth. Youth is your part of life. For girls it's a step on the road to be a woman, for boys it's a step to be a man. Youth is your place/your space between different opinions, sometimes there are various views of your parents... sometimes there are diverse looks of outside men and women, but you have your own opinion. You're young and free. Though you can get entangled in your thoughts.. you can get lost... you can discover. You can find yourself in youth... youth is a road... it is a mysterious way... but it's another long & interesting story... What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Traveling, making collages, painting and once more traveling. What are your plans for the future? Photograph and travel - travel and photograph. And study to hear my heart. •
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Links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/milkflower http://milkyflower.tumblr.com
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Cometas Perdidos 35 / Concepci贸n, Chile
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? My dad was very into photography and owned a film processing lab when I was just a kid. I was always sneaking all around the place. I have early memories being with him inside the darkroom, helping him developing films, I remember the enigmatic red light, his silent presence, the revealing acid stains on his apron, also the boredom of waiting eternally only to see still images from strange people been developed, that didn't interested me much at the time. But one day he came with a novelty: The polaroid. My happy start, I remember my self amazed and absolutely attracted to the idea of being a benevolent creator in a world of padded shaped images that would fade in time. That lab was a very intimate place for me and my old man, and now that he's dead, I see it, as a way to connect with him, with the very best things of him. I must have been 5 or so at that time. So it's been a while taking photos. What is your current relationship with photography? Me and photography are linked by a open and humbled relationship, I think that at the end, those are the ones that usually last the most. Thank god I don`t have to make a living of it, and I'd love to keep it that way, because it's far too beautiful to me, to get it mixed with obligations or profit. Who, or what is your biggest influence? People in general, their stories, our stories! The marks we carry on our lives, the comfortable silences, the space between moments that produces me a deep feeling of respect and makes me want to register.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. In this particular case and as in general I don't like planning the pictures at all, it usually just happens if the atmosphere is right, and appealing to me. At the end the so called inspiration; is the feeling of me enjoying intensely what I do, I actually don´t need anything else. I believe that is pretty much what youth is about. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Mostly poetry, it could be, that photography, is just an extension of that particular interest, I enjoy very much traveling and camping in the country, the beach or the mountain, which are very poetic places to be. I also practice yoga and swimming. Those are the things that makes me happy above all. What are your plans for the future? I'd like to link with others despite the distance and hopefully be able to extract some collective experiences from that, I hope it becomes real soon enough.
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Website: http://cometasperdidos.com
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Gia An Nguyen 16 / California
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? When I was younger, I always wondered if others could see what I saw. Even in my childhood, my mind freely created idealized realities and distant elsewheres. I constantly daydreamed and cultivated my imagination, seeking refuge in the other worlds I envisioned. I picked up a camera a year ago, at the age of fifteen. Photography was a bit of a calling, I suppose. Natural progression. My art saves me from myself and allows me to evoke the emotionality of my childhood. But I’ve not yet formed a unique style, and I still have much to learn! What is your current relationship with photography? It seems like it’s all I’ve ever known. Photography has become something special to me: a way of illustrating my fears, hopes, and sorrows. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I draw inspiration from dreams, youth, and color. The photographic works of Sally Mann, David Hamilton, Bill Henson, and Paolo Roversi particularly resonate with me. I am also greatly influenced by the young artists of my generation - I don’t know how I’d manage without their loving encouragement and supportive words. Nirrimi, SusannaCole King, and Amber Ortolano are brilliant minds. I feel so privileged to have them as friends.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These images collectively depict the essence of female adolescence - that delicate realm precariously balancing between girlhood and womanhood. These young women are unsure of themselves, torn between the Nature that has comforted them since childhood and the sharp-tongued heartlessness of modern civilization. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I spend most of my days drowned in books, cinema, and music. Oftentimes, when I’m drifting in that realm between wakefulness and sleep, I write prose and poetry. I can never write long pieces, though. My mind is chaotic, not concentrated. It’s difficult to cage the shadows of my thoughts... they seem like such wayward, dancing things. What are your plans for the future? Travel the world and fall in love. Live vivaciously. Breathe freely and capture moments in movement. • 53
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Links: http://giaan.viewbook.com htpp://flickr.com/photos/nguyengiaan
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Jad Ghadieh 18 / Beirut, Lebanon How did you first become interested in art? How long have you been making art for? Painting has always been my passion, ever since I was a child. I wasn't the kind of boy that played cars and video games, I was called "the young artist." Painting is my way for selfexpression, and through colors and brushes I found the Artist inside me. I paint whenever I get the chance, and when I'm not painting I visualize concepts and scenes that I could put into a painting. What is your current relationship with art? I am almost done with my foundation studies in design, and painting has been a significant part of it. I've been through painting classes, and Fundamentals in 2D design. In my free time I'm always sketching, rendering, painting..... As you see my concepts drifts towards Fantasy and Abstraction. I see that it's the best way to express my ideas. Who, or what is your biggest influence? Everything around me can influence and inspire, as long as I succeed in looking beyond things to knit a story and infuse it with the perfect colors. In my art, my focus is always on human figures and expressions. When it comes to painting I don’t face the blank paper with a clear purpose in my mind of the thing I’m going to paint. With few random brush strokes, a scene starts to come out, and a concept fills the paper. I believe that we can always translate fantasy through painting. Through painting we can always reach those places we only see in dreams. Places that can be weaved with a simple brush or smudged by a finger. While I am Painting I can't help but listen to Lady Gaga. Indeed, she's my vivid source of inspiration, and the generator of my energy for art. Tell us a little about these particular pieces. I am not the sort of artist that is intrigued and captivated by nature. What intrigues me is the human scythe! I tend to portray certain phases or expressions of the human nature, by exploring new dimensions and possibilities. My paintings abstractly mirror the ups and downs of relishing youth, and then hitting the trials and tribulations of aging. Our emotions are never stable, and at this point 'paint' is a vivid mean that can reflect those emotions. In one of my paintings youth resembles a splash of color revolution. In another painting, colors are toned down to portray a figurative aspect of aging, and how beauty tends to drain... What are your other hobbies, besides art? Besides arts, I'm an avid reader and I love writing. I'm into novelistic writing, and currently I'm working on short stories and poems. I believe that painting and writing are too similar, because through both we can create images to express and fascinate the imagination. What are your plans for the future? So far, I couldn't stick to a certain plan. Hopefully, in the not-too-distant future I'll be working on my first novel, and I think that it will influence the theme of my paintings. • 57
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Website: http://www.paintingsilove.com/artist/jadghadieh
Jenna Owczarek 22 / New Jersey
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I always enjoyed looking through old photographs and taking pictures on my point and shoot cameras, but it wasn’t until my second semester at a local community college that I realized how much I enjoyed the whole process of developing film and negatives in the darkroom. That is when I started to take photography more seriously. What is your current relationship with photography? In early May I finished my third year studying photography at School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These images come from an ongoing project that captures the confusion of a young girls innocent inner thoughts and the external expectations to fit in. The inspiration behind them is the uncertainty that often leaves one feeling alone and stuck between two worlds while growing up. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Daydreaming, exploring, and surrounding myself with incredible people. What are your plans for the future? This fall I will be moving to California to see what the west coast has to offer. Although I won’t be returning to study photography at SVA, I will never stop taking photographs.
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Website: http://www.wix.com/jennaowczarek/photography
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A Message From Home By Selena Dominguez 14 / New Hampshire
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As the last droplet of water falls from the grasp of my hands, I look up to notice a faded pink strip in the sky I close my eyes as the memories flood my mind Lush green grass, clear skies, a comforting smell of home I open my eyes to see everything Like it once was Carefree actions and laughter Suddenly surround me I catch myself smiling truly for the first time in years Seeing everything tranquilas birds graze the sky and children play, when a car horn shrieks and I'm abruptly brought back to reality I turn to the ground and think I never will forget that place, Where I Used To Live. Photograph by Natasha Dominguez
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Marija KablytÄ— 21 / Lithuania
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? Well, the photography become my biggest part of life in 2007 and the passion for it grows more and more every time I see smiling people. What is your current relationship with photography? It was my hobby for a while. But now I’m studying photography and also working on this. Who, or what is your biggest influence? The music can wake up my inspiration or wipe out it. When music doesn’t help to catch the inspiration Tim Walker is one of the photographers who gives me it. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. Four of these are my latest works. They totally reflect how I feel now. It is hard to believe that I’m starting to feel young just now… Feels like – being blooming flower , stand in a warm wind, dream and be sure that every dream will come true you just need to be patient. Youth – best ability to be crazy and allow yourself to enjoy the colors of life. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Drawing is one more my passion, however it might sound funny but right now I’m in deep searches for new hobbies. I realized that there is still a lot of things I didn’t tried. What are your plans for the future? I have committed lots of plans. My head is full of crazy ideas for photo shoots and art projects. I hope everything will be able to implement and my youth time will be devoted for creative work. •
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Website: http://www.grafilogika.lt
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Luc Kordas 28/ New York
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I've been photographing for quite some time now. As for the beginnings, well, it's a pretty corny story actually. See, my grandfather was a photographer back in the '40 and the '50. He photographed WW II times in Poland and also what came next. One day he came down from the attic of his house carrying a bulky XXL shoebox. I said to him these were some pretty big shoes he had there and he just smiled and opened the box. It was full of old photographs of all kinds portraits of his friends and family, street photography, also war time photographs. And the smell of vintage paper was amazing, too. Very dramatic. I fell in love with them. I was only 7 then but I swopped becoming a fireman in the future for being a photographer right then and there. (It's not a true story but what a story!).  What is your current relationship with photography? My current relationship with photography is that after some rough patches (I actually sold my whole camera gear last year to finance my trip to Latin America) we get along quite well these days. She's been a bit jealous about my relationship with videos recently, but assured her there is nothing to be worried about.  Who, or what is your biggest influence? That must be my omnipotent friend called Internet. I talk to him a lot. He knows a lot of artists, interesting creative people and much much more. He's also been all over the world. I get most of inspiration and influence through him indirectly and, truth be told, it is as much inspiring as it is overwhelming - the amount of creative folks making art out there, doing their own thing, doing it on the low, on the budget and doing it damned good - and yet remaining virtually unknown - it's unbelievable. It's fun to discover those artists somewhere on the other side of the globe or, better still, just around the corner. Some of the works I see on the Internet blow my mind completely (especially videographers these days seem to be taking their game to a whole new level making huge progress literally every day. The jaw-dropping mini-productions I see on Vimeo these days are !!!) and they are much fresher and tastier than what I see in high profile museums around the world, but I can't give you names - there are too many to mention.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. I took this series of photos on my last day in a language school in Barcelona where I taught English in 2008. Those kids were between 6 and 8 years old at the time. They were a very energetic and an enthusiastic bunch of people. I told them that once we were finished doing all the activities prepared for the day, as a reward, I would take 2 pictures of each of them - one with a serious face and another one with a silly face. They bought it and most of them were thrilled to perform in front of the camera and make silly faces but there were also a couple of them that couldn't bring themselves to act stupid in front of their teacher even though I was only 23 at the time and, clearly, had been acting silly throughout the whole year as well. Then there's INCREDIBLE ENGLISH KIDS II - and those photos were taken very recently in the spring of 2012. Four years after IEK I while teaching again in Spain an opportunity arose once more for me to take pictures of my students using the very same simple concept. Somehow, these portraits really did manage to represent their characters justly - those quiet ones come out quiet and the troublemakers are really having a ball making funny faces in the pictures - and that's all I wanted to achieve. These are simple portraits showing their innocence and playfulness and for all of us adults already a mythical time of gone childhood in which school itself plays such a crucial role - that's where we in fact grow up. I, for one, will always look back at my school times with certain nostalgia. And it's not that I wish I was 7 again, but I feel I can still remember and relate to this tabula rasa period. And this concept is reflected in that series - there's that vast blackboard space behind them with only their name on it and heaps of room for other important names in their lives yet to be written down there. Teaching kids can be surprisingly rewarding. The truth is I get a lot of fresh clean energy from just being there in the classroom and listening to them talk (or fight) and we all sure laugh a lot, too. And I guess it shows in the pictures. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? All kind of sports - from swimming thru' football, cycling, skiing, table tennis, even squash recently. I am a scuba diving instructor, too. Eating chocolate, drinking alcohol, going to the movies, getting into all different kinds of self-inflicted trouble - that too. And photography, of course, is my hobby too, I only do it in my free time and while traveling. What are your plans for the future? Self-development, of course. Constant, continuous and intrepid self-development. What else? Seriously though, for me this is one of those awkward questions like where do you live? questions I get a lot (too much) and questions I can't really answer without going into unnecessary details. So for now I'll just say I'll probably stay on the road for a little while, there's still much more to see. Besides, you know what they say about the easiest way to make God laugh, right?
Links: http://www.luckordas.com http://www.facebook.com/blondule http://www.behance.net/luckordas
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Rolandas Ivanauskas 21 / Vilnius
How did you first become interested in art? How long have you been making art for? I don't know, really. I think all my life I was searching for any kind of beautiful forms. Well it's very hard to tell how long because it's hard to describe what can be called an art, I was painting since kindergarten like other normal kids, but started to look in to it more maybe 8 years ago. What is your current relationship with art? Well, currently I am studying interior design but it really doesn't relate with art I am making, so I can say that it's more like a hobby for me at the moment. Who, or what is your biggest influence? Love! Like the one wonderful girl likes to say "Love is the color." Tell us a little bit about these particular pieces. Specially I prefer my pieces that have been done recently because they are from the deepest corners of my soul which only love was able to reveal. What are your other hobbies, besides art? It's hard to find something in my life not to be related with the arts because every free from work and studies I try to keep creating something. What are your plans for the future? For this period of my life I am thinking to put art away and leave it as a hobby and concentrate more on my studies but of course it would be also nice to do something more with illustrations too.
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Marisa Chafetz 17 / New York
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? The first time I picked up a camera was in 5th grade a friends horse back riding competition. My mom stuck it in my hand and told me to take some pictures. I was so fascinated by my new ability to make a quick second last forever that I took pictures of everyone and everything to the point where my friends were telling me to knock it off. 10 year old me printed out the pictures, signed my name in each corner and put them all in a binder that I titled "portfolio". I haven't put my camera down since. What is your current relationship with photography? My relationship with photography is one of the most important ones in my life at the moment. Besides keeping me sane and allowing me to express myself, I let photography keep me busy. I'm currently working on continuing to get myself out there in the business by shooting editorials for magazines, designers and other commissions. However my true passion is in story telling. My favorite part of photographing is capturing people's emotion or stories in a single photo. Who, or what is your biggest influence? My biggest influence when it comes to my art is people in general. I am so fascinated with literally everything and everyone. People's emotions and stories, no matter how generic or predictable enthrall me.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. This photo story is about a couple living in the village trying to survive as young artists. They have a love hate relationship but their youth, passion and desperation keeps them together. With the series I am trying to demonstrate that even though youthful years may be the hardest they are so full of passion and emotion that they are often the most meaningful part of a person's life. The whole series was inspiration by the late 60's and the era of rock and roll. I came up with the idea after I read the book "Just Kids" by Patti Smith. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? My other hobbies besides photography include everything having to do with art (drawing, painting, etc.) Also I have been a cheerleader for around 9 years. What are your plans for the future? My plans for the future right now are to go to college and study journalism. I hope to one day pursue a career in journalism/photo-journalism. •
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Links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marisachafetzphoto http://www.mchafetzphoto.carbonmade.com
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Mario Orellana 27 / Madrid, Spain
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? When I was a child, I started using my mother's Werlissa Color, camera that I still own nowadays. That's how I first got in touch with photography: in a familiar way. At first I began shooting at things I found interesting, such as my toys, my friends, home stuff. It wasn't until I was older that I took the step to the unknown and I started taking pictures of strangers and wandering around the streets with my camera to capture precise instants. I could say I've been interested in photography in a more serious way since I was 16. What is your current relationship with photography? I've always tried to become a professional photographer, but with this huge world crisis, things are not easy, especially in Spain. I can consider myself a privileged because I have a job, although it is not my "beloved job". I'm currently working as a layout and graphic designer for a magazine, and the kind of photography I do there is nothing compared to what I would like, but I can't complain. Better times will come and I keep taking my personal pictures when I travel or I walk around Madrid. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I've never liked self-descriptions, but if I had to classify myself, I would say that I'm a street photographer. I like shooting at people and urban elements. In this category, I could consider my biggest influences three photographers: Robert Doisneau, Elliott Erwitt and Ram贸n Masats.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. I have chosen five pictures that represent the process from childhood to puberty. They were taken in different places all over the world to very different kinds of children, but I think they represent in a good way how a child becomes a teenager. This process follows a very concrete line that I've tried to capture in the images: Being helped by your parents in order to discover the world surrounding you. Getting enlightened on your own. Achieving consciousness of huge things above yourself. Fighting against your own nature to become a teenager. Loss of the innocence. At the same time, I think every time you get a good shot, you become aware of it. In that precise moment, you realize that instant is the special one, and somehow, it fills you. So when that happens, you grow as a photographer, you learn and you keep learning. To me, the process when I photographed these children was the same as to them, and with each of these images I took a step forward in my youth as a photographer. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I like old stuff. Some friends describe me as an "analogic guy". I love collecting vinyl's and books. I found very unique the way that an old book or album can get to you. Buying on the internet or ordering some particular item in a store is very easy, but when you run into something you didn't even know you wanted until you find it, that moment is something very special and I love it. Apart from music and reading, I like drawing, watching movies, traveling and long walks. What are your plans for the future? First of all, survive the crisis. Nah, seriously, I have a dream: grabbing my bike, a few clothes and my camera and either getting to Asia from Europe, or covering America from South to North. That trip would be the perfect paradigm of what I want to do with my life. 97
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Website: http://www.mario-orellana.com
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Tiffany Dawn Nicholson 27 / Chicago, Illinois
How did you first become interested in photography? There has always been an interest in photography for me even at a young age but my family did not have a lot of money back then and so there was never any access to nice cameras. My mom bought me a point and shoot camera somewhere around 2nd grade and I remember going to my friends for the weekend. We would play ‘dress up’ and I’d pretend to be a fashion photographer snapping pics with a disposable camera or with the Kodak point and shoot camera that my mom bought me. I then grew interested in other things and my interest for photography took a back seat for a while. How long have you been photographing for? My love for photography came back to me when I was a junior in college. I graduated a fine art major at Miami Oxford University. I originally thought I was going to major in painting but I was never that great a painter. Then my focus switched to printmaking and still not that great a printmaker….. BUT THEN I discovered photography again and ended up staying an extra semester so that I could graduate with a concentration in photography. Since graduation my love for photography has continued to grow and expand into new fields. Sorry that was long winded. I guess the question was how long have I been photographing for? The short answer to that is 6 years. What is your current relationship with photography? I have not had a typical day job since 2011. Photography is my main source of income, though currently I can’t really say I’m making a living at it. This hustling thing is hard BUT soooo worth it! I don’t know if I would enjoy photography as much if I were paid every time I took my camera out of the bag. Basically what I am saying is that I made a conscious decision back in 2011 to live for photography to try to shoot everyday whether it be a ‘job’ or for myself and I think it is the best decision I have made thus far. There has been a lot of struggle but mostly good things have come from it. I happen to like ramen.
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Who, or what is your biggest influence? Before going into my photographic influences I want to take a moment to recognize my mom. My mom has the biggest influence on the way that I do things and on my work ethic, which I think is really important. She has shown me that there is no limit to what you can do. She is almost 50 and competes in fitness competitions!! She has taught me that it is never too late to go after your dreams.Now photographically speaking I’m influenced by a lot of different photographers and I am constantly looking at other work that’s out there. I have a daily rundown bookmark tab of all the places I like to visit and try to visit every day that is currently about 50 links long. NOW I don’t exactly visit all of them every day mainly because some sites are a little longer on their cycle time and don’t always have new stuff to look at. Two current influences on my work are Harper Smith and Michael Donovan. I just love their photography. Cinema is also a huge source of inspiration for me. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. My work is inspired by youth in general. At the time these particular images were created I was really enamored with the LA brand Wildfox and their marketing. All their look books are so hip and fresh and I wanted to go for a similar vibe with this shoot. It was about creating a character and embodying a lifestyle. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Hmmm other than photography..... I like to bake, I like to thrift.. ACTUALLY I have an etsy store where I sell some of those things (not the baked goods but the thrift goods) but have been kind of busy lately that I’ve forgotten about it but fortunately I’m not the only one who manages the store. My boyfriend, roommate and I run it together. What are your plans for the future? To keep photographing and to continue to grow, who knows maybe even find myself an agent at some point. That’d be cool. • 103
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Photography- Tiffany Dawn Nicholson Fashion Stylist- Tiffany Dawn Nicholson Model- Joni Dobrov MUA- Jennifer Brown Hair- Jennifer Brown
Links: http://www.tdnphoto.com http://www.thetdnproject.tumblr.com 105
Usra ElMadhoun 19 / Beirut, Lebanon
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by books & novels. I've always wanted to be a writer; I never intended to be a photographer. When I turned 13, I started taking walks all alone in the mountains, taking pictures of myself and whatever’s around me. That’s when the first spark of my passion for photography ignited. I took it as a hobby until I turned 17, when I started a project called “July in Photos – A Diary,” where I combined my love or writing with my passion for photography. The project consisted of taking a daily photograph that represented my day for a month, and complementing the photograph with writing. Soon after I finished the project, I suddenly found myself depicting my everyday life in photographs. And photography has been my secret hiding place ever since. My personal diary, if I may say. What is your current relationship with photography? Along with my passion for photography, came what I like to call a crush on video-making. That’s why I decided to pursue a major in TV/Film-making. From where I stand now, I see myself as a photography enthusiast working my way up into developing it into a profession.
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Who, or what is your biggest influence? The books I’ve read, my childhood friends, my teenage crushes, teachers whose words still echo, Disney characters, my childhood nemesis, my family, the times when I felt down but kept positive, my fiancé, everything that helped shape my personality, is my biggest influence. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. Most of my photographs are inspired from the positivity in my everyday life. The greatest trait of youth in my belief is, aside from innocence, positivity. That’s why I felt inspired by the topic of youth to gather several photographs of mine that define it, whether in the incredible bond you have with your family in childhood, or running under the rain in your rebellious teens. It is reaching out for love, and being head over heels. It is soaring free and letting go. It is magically enchanting, like a spring drawing that comes to life. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? Certainly short-film-making, reading, and a bit of writing. :) What are your plans for the future? I’m currently working on enhancing and expanding my portfolio. My ultimate plan is to actually work as a Fine Arts photographer. In that package comes the hope of starting to sell prints of my work, & maybe even maybe, being represented by a gallery. :) • 109
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Links: http://flickr.com/photos/usra http://usra.deviantart.com
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Vikky Ivie
20 / London, England
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? My mum introduced me to photography when I was 4 years old. When I was a child I liked to photograph animals. Im such an animal lover. But fashion photography, I really knew that was what I wanted to do when I was about 15. So I have been doing that for 5 years now but I think only in the last year I have developed my own style and know where I want to go with my future. What is your current relationship with photography? Im currently studying fashion photography and styling at London College of Fashion, but its always been a hobby of mine. Everything I know I have pretty much taught myself, I am always thinking of new ideas I want to shoot. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I find inspiration from a lot of things, artists, photographers, novels, films, and from a lot of history. I love novels like Great Expectations, Jane Eyre etc. Really romantic gothic literature. I have a list of photographers who have greatly influenced me too, but I would say they influence my technique, my inspiration for my shoots comes from the other things. Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These particular set of photographs were inspired by Sofia Coppola's film The Virgin Suicides, it's one of my favourite films. They are about girls who have overly strict parents, they have a sense of melancholy underlying the pretty pink colours to the photos. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I love cooking, so thats something I'm always doing. And I'd say I watch a lot of TV series' I don't know whether thats a hobby or not but I just love getting into a really good show, at the moment Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead and The Mentalist. What are your plans for the future? My plans for the future are to finish my degree and become a freelance photographer, having a job which I love doing just seems like the ideal way to go 113
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Links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikkyivie http://www.cargocollective.com/vikkyivie http://vikkyivie.tumblr.com http://vikky-ivie.blogspot.com 116
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Sara Berihuete Cádiz, Spain How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I’ve been taking photographs for three years now. In the beginning, they were just tests. I used to just play with the camera as it was my first time with photography. I haven't stopped taking pictures since then. It allows me to learn and discover something new every day. What is your current relationship with photography? For me, it’s my way of life; I have it on my mind whenever I'm doing something. I try to capture all my experiences in a photograph. It’s now my job and I'm making more and more progress, step by step, every day. I study every day. Three years ago I practically didn't know what a camera was, or even a spotlight or photoshop. I knew nothing about it, and I have to study a lot and do it really fast to do the kind of photography that I do because of my growing interest in much more complicated stuff. Who, or what is your biggest influence? Well, actually, when I started the first year I didn’t want to look at any photographer’s work, or any of the styles, so I spent the whole year learning nothing about photographers and such so that I could develop a more personal style. When I discovered the photographers I found out that my favorites were Jan Saudek or Erwing Olaf. I find their art completely fulfilling.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. When I started doing photography I discovered that I could express anything, any feeling, and so that’s what I’ve been doing ever since. I always express my experiences, my feelings. My more personal style is the one that I call “Expressive” in my webpage, that's where I express whatever I feel, both beautiful and not so beautiful feelings. I don't look for a beautiful picture to hang in a living room wall, but an expression that deeply touches the person who sees it. I like to express myself in pictures with people; either children, young, or old people. For me, photography mainly is a way of relieving myself. I'm a very shy person and it’s my way of expressing myself and telling everyone what I feel inside. I try to express myself with colours, lighting, expression but above all, with looks. My photographs are completely different ones from the others. I try not to repeat and I'm usually inspired by things and people I see in the street. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? One of my biggest hobbies, even though it may sound weird, is studying. I love to constantly learn about anything, either history, physics, philosophy… I love reading and learning something new every day. I also love spending time with my family and friends. What are your plans for the future? I only think about the short-term future. For now I want to keep on making progress with photography, improving my technique and making a career in the world of photography, a wonderful but difficult world now that there are so many good photographers. So, to put it briefly, my plans are to make progress step by step and get through to everybody with my photography. •
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Website: http://www.saraberihuete.com
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Ingrid Wang 16 / Brisbane, Australia
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I started out with a lust to capture the dreamy sceneries encountered in delightful journeys and a burning desire to preserve the feeling of sun drenched hair billowing in the wind; though I'm still super green and amateur to the world of photo taking as I only picked up a SLR last year. What is your current relationship with photography? It is something that I wish I had more time for as I am a full time high school student; though I am so completely in love with taking photographs, I am consumed whole by it and my passion and love for photographs is fiery. Who, or what is your biggest influence? I am influenced by observing the human experience that is happening all around. From electric connections between lovers, to the feeling of pure freedom and exuberance; the idea of living a in a wild wonderland of dreams.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. These photographs are inspired by the beautiful freedom encountered in wistful sceneries and quixotic journeys, reveling in nostalgia for youth, freedom and a world full of love and light, the feeling of plunging into a wonderland of colour with sun drenched hair and dreamy delight. Â What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I'm thinking 'gazing online over the works of other photographers' isn't the right answer? Haha, one of my favourite things to do is to hop on a ferry or train and see where it takes me, the idea of exploration through getting lost. What are your plans for the future? To hopefully move to Melbourne for uni and grow to be a more cultured being and of course, photograph to my hearts content; maybe even one day explore war photography and conflict journalism, photographs that aren't staged, preplanned with makeup artists, stylists and a model, just the raw grittiness of human emotions.
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Links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ingrid-emelia http://www.ingridwang.blogspot.com.au
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Meire Todao 45 / Londrina, Brazil
How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for? I remember playing with a camera my father used to have when I was a very small child. I pretended to take photos and I really liked the sound of the shutter. Also I remember having a box where I used to keep photos cut out of magazines and newspapers... I went through those pictures almost everyday and I guess it helped to build up my image repertoire and my photographic background. I only got my first camera, a Kodak Instamatic 110, at the age of 11 but I lived in a very small town and getting films processed was quite difficult then. So I guess I have been an observer for a long long time before start taking my own photos for good. What is your current relationship with photography? It stared as a hobby when I was a young teenager, but I had the opportunity to study photography at university, which led to a post-graduation and a master degree in the area. I wanted to deal with the academic aspects of photography, but then other opportunities came up and photography turned into a profession. Who, or what is your biggest influence? Over 2 decades ago I saw some photos Anton Corbijn had taken of Joy Division and I felt as if I was struck by lightning. That day I decided to take my photography to another level. I didn't want to take snapshots only (although I still take them all the time!). As the time went by I had more access to other photographers' work. I noticed that Lilian Bassman, Sarah Moon, Ellen Von Unwerth, and Paolo Roversi influenced me a lot and it might explain why I like working with distortions, blurry and unfocused images. Most people would say soft focus, out of focus, and blurriness are bad mistakes in photography, but I have a different opinion.. I don't like producing very explicit images, especially self-portraits...... in general I like it when the viewer can draw his or her own meaning from a photograph - that's why I never give a title or explain my photos - I do believe a photo can be read in several different ways by different people and I don't want to take this freedom away from them.
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Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs. Well, I met Desirée and Natalia - through another friend who also takes part in our photo projects - about three years ago and and we do get along very well although I am the double their age. To cut a long story short, some weeks ago I was thinking about Maurice Sendak's "Where The Wild Things Are" and how I would like to take some photos inspired by his story. I thought Desi and Nati would be perfect for the photos, since they have been friends for a long time and they are still so young, full of dreams and energy, and so creative. Unfortunately life moves in mysterious ways. Some hours before going to the park to take the photos I learnt about Maurice Sendak's death and I felt so weird and so lonely. So this photo session has a double meaning to me. The first and original idea was to celebrate the joys and value of true friendship (the title A Celebration fits the mood perfectly, I guess)... and also to pay homage to the man who wrote and illustrated one of my favourite stories. What are your other hobbies, besides photography? I love reading. I am currently reading the series "A Song of Ice and Fire," by George R.R. Martin. I love fantasy books!! I also love cooking, films, drawing, and cuddling/playing with my cat. What are you plans for the future? I haven't got anything big defined concerning photography such as opening a studio or conquering the world, really. I just want to carry on studying, learning something new everyday,and producing photography. I can't see myself doing anything different, really. 133
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Links: http://www.meiretodao.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/meire http://www.facebook.com/meiretodaopho
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'The Walk I Never Took Her On' By Patrick Mahon
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She sent me a text at 9:09am. I was sleeping, but had not slept well. Come over. Around 11-ish. She had just come back from a 7-day trip to Florida, and was now on vacation. Again. She was the only girl I knew that took a vacation before vacation started. I walked in the door and she handed me a box. We need to go to the party store and fill this with helium. I looked at her, then at the box, back at her, then looked confused. I bought a remote-control Flying Shark. It’s for my niece. I didn’t know sharks could fly, I said. They don’t flyyyyy. They swim. They swim through the air!!! I started giggling a bit, and then I looked at her and noticed how she was bubbling over with excitement. Itzaparty!! What? I asked. Itzaparty. That’s where we need to go. Okay. Well, let’s go. When we arrived I didn’t know where to park, because every parking spot in the lot was available. It looked like the kind of store that had been open for years, but hadn’t had a single customer since at least last Halloween. We need to fill this with helium, I said, as I presented the unopened box to the 4 equally eager and astonished employees. As we were walking back to the car, now carrying (on a blue ribbon) a helium-inflated Flying Shark, the size of a full-grown golden retriever, she asked me, Can we get some silly string too? Silly string?? She nodded her head quickly. Of course, I said. I returned a minute later with a can of orange silly string. She smiled at me, then snatched it out of my hand. It was beautiful outside. Easily the nicest day we’d had so far. So we went to Plymouth to enjoy it. As we were walking, I pointed out an old lady dressed entirely in pink sweats. She had a yellow winter hat on and walked entirely without any urgency, crossing busy streets, ignoring cars, seemingly determined to get no where special. The girls in their sundresses filled the streets. We passed by a family of Mexicans who were holed-up in a cheap restaurant ordering limonada and laughing. Gradually we made our way to Brewster Gardens and Jenney Pond. As we passed under the bridge, where the little river trickled down, where the cement was water-soaked and soggy, where picture perfect moments get captured by cameras, I looked to my right and saw a hammock in some lazy lady’s yard. I suddenly wanted to cross the stream and take a nap, and wake up later, and not really care where the day went. But we kept walking. And then she walked ahead of me. We came across Lucioso’s Pub. The thought of drinking pints of beer and playing pool, in the less-thenlighted corner seemed pretty appealing. Or we could sit outside on the patio, next to the giant wooden water wheel, and sip on margaritas until we lost our good senses and stumbled home. But she kept walking, just ahead of me. She stopped at a giant Maple tree and said, That’s a Huuuuuuuuge Maple!! I noticed the yellow spring colors and I laughed, thinking back to the way I made my whistles echo as I walked under the bridge. 137
There were geese among the smaller trees, and they all seemed to flock to the picnic tables instead of the pond. The almost perfect ducks, with their ugly, ugly feet, kept my attention momentarily, but soon I was too busy trying to avoid all the duck and goose poop on the grass to really pay attention anymore. My thoughts briefly drifted to a memory, where I spent a weekend in Wales and chased 200 sheep, then later basked in the beautiful afternoon heat, on top of a poor-man’s-version of a mountain with the girl who was still walking ahead of me. I noticed an old man in the shade, who was sitting in a sherbert-colored chair, adjusting his reading glasses and looking like he belonged on the beach. Then I saw a passed-out lady, in a pickup truck, in the parking lot, with her feet kicked up, and her halfway legs, hanging half-way out her window. I paused. I suddenly wished to be an old man in my 80’s, and to see this day through my old man eyes. We turned around. The old, old church could be seen peaking out, above the other buildings. The church with the cemetery on the hill, where Puritans were buried next to Indians. I laughed at an old lady with red pants and a Christmas sweater, who stopped to talk to a random family out for a walk. I passed by her jovial, mustached husband, who looked at me and said, Okey-Dokey!! A little ways up, and now walking side-by-side, she turned to me and asked, Is that what ALL old people do? They just talk to random strangers?? Yep, I said. That’s what old people do: when they get really, really old, they walk around and talk to random people they don’t know. I felt the sun on my back as we walked back towards the water and crossed over a tiny little bridge. I don’t like this bridge, she said. Me neither. The streets started to get crowded again, with all kinds of little kids. Little kids are always stopping to pet puppies, or climbing on rocks, or running too fast. But I love that. I love how they are always so seemingly content to just be. I hear the laughter of teenage girls. I catch a tall 40-year old woman checking me out. I walk too slow. I notice how everyone wears sunglasses and talks on their cellphone. I pass by some of the same people I passed by before on the street. And they don’t seem to recognize me. And she walks up ahead again. But then she stops, and she waits for me. •
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What's Next Issue No. 5
The theme for the fourth issue is Wanderlust. As an artist, you have creative freedom to conceptualize a work of art in any way you choose in regards to the theme. Wanderlust is definied as a very strong or irresistible impulse to travel. Please consider your submission carefully. Not all submissions will be accepted for publication. We are not looking for vacation photos, please make sure that what you submit you consider artwork. Remember we accept photography, fine art, and creative writing! Deadline for submissions: Friday, July 13th 2012 Expected release date: August 1, 2012 To submit your work for consideration please send samples to: theunexposedmag@gmail.com For more guidelines on submissions please visit: the-unexposed.tumblr.com/submissions
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