credits editor-in-chief Keerthana Byreddy
cover Photographer: Keerthana Byreddy
adjacent page Photographer(top): Kayleigh June Photographer (bottom): Lucia Moretti
page 02 Photographer: ursrules1 @ deviant art Title: Lion
page 05 Artist (left to right, top to bottom): Cristina Otero, Abbey Diamond, Lucia Moretti Row Two: Keerthana Byreddy, ursrules1 @ deviant art, Le Loup (Album Cover Art) Row Three: Abbey Diamond, Kayleigh June, Keerthana Byreddy
back cover Photographer: ursrules1 @ deviant art Title: Bouquet
All Inquiries: wearealivemagazine@gmail.com Facebook: We Are Alive Twitter: We Are Alive Mag Š We Are Alive Mag. 2012- All Rights Reserved
content 04 letter from the editor 06 photographerfeature: cristinaotero 10 illustration feature: lanakavronenko 16 photography feature: martasyrko 20 illustration feature: abbey diamond
To the lovers, the crawlers, the dreamers: I say hello, and welcome. With this, the first issue of “We Are Alive” Magazine, you have entered a new world, nothing less than a utopia for the creator. Featuring photographs, illustrations, writing, and music, “We Are Alive” is not an original concept, but a piece of work, original in and of itself. The truly amazing thing about us however, is not us, it is the photographers, the illustrators, the musicians and writers found here in our world; so please, if you, dear reader, would like the opportunity to be featured, contact us at
wearealivemagazine@gmail.com.
Immerse yourself in this new world of ours, and emerge from the other side as a new person. I hope to see you there!
Keerthana
Cristina Otero is a 16-year-old photographer from Spain. Her work consists mostly of selfportraits which are often taken under a thick layer of make-up almost to the point that she is often completely unrecognizable. Both parts melancholy and beautiful, Cristina’s B&W’s are often film-like and haunting; her color portraits either bright and colorful, or soulful and painterly. No matter how she does it, Cristina Otero’s images are certain to leave a mark on any viewer.
Who inspires you? Why? I love Zhang Jingna's work (AKA zemotion @ deviant art). Her work is just marvelous, leaves me speechless, and inspires me to create.
What have you already achieved as a photographer and what more do you want to achieve?
I'm 16 years old, from Spain, currently living in Cádiz. I've always liked drawing, I still do so. The human body is my passion. I love to read, write poetry- anything that has to do with art.
I've been lucky enough to have had two exhibitions (one that is still going on in Madrid). I've done book covers and CD covers. I've also made publicity for all electronic billboards in RENFE in Spain. I'd love to try fashion photography. I love fashion, especially the images, of course.
How did you first start out taking photographs?
How long have you been shooting, and how do you think your work has changed since then?
I started photography when I was 13 years old. During class, a friend of mine spoke about this American model contest program called America's Next Top Model. I had never heard of it and decided to watch a few episodes. I rapidly fell in love with the make-up, the poses, the lightning, the setting- all in all, with the result; the photo. I decided to try it, and that's what I did.
I have been shooting since I was 13, so about 2 and half years. I've grown a lot since I started. I wasn't sure at the beginning of what I was doing; I didn't think of photography as art. My skills have developed, as well as my creativity, I believe. I now know what I'm doing and what I try to achieve.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
What do you try to show through your photographs? Everyday feelings and thoughts, but in a deep, strange way. I try to turn ordinary, everyday questions into something artistic and alluring. I do this by creating characters that don't really exist; strange, supernatural female faces that convey sadness, joy, or hatred.
How has being a photographer impacted your life and/or personality? I am now a lot busier than before, that's for sure. I have work to do as a photographer, but I'm also studying of course; considering my age, I have to. Also, I have a lot of followers, and that has a really big impact. It hasn't changed me, talking about personality; I think I'm still the same, but now I’m more mature and serious. Besides that, I'm still the old me!