What inspired you to pursue photography as a career, and how has your style evolved over the years?
Photography was a natural extension of myself, ever since i lay my hands on a smartphone, it became another creative outlet, one that introduced me into the arts in a way that no other form or medium has, it was a talent that i nurtured, one that allowed me to block out the negativity, it made me feel comfortable in my own skin and less like an outcast to my peers, I ran with it and allowed it to take me on an incredible journey. It was never really a decision until I was 7 years in when I thought to myself, “It’s time to take this art thing serious”
I’ve never been afraid to push stylistic elements in my work, I think over the years it’s been more about accepting that there is no right or wrong way to approach a image but trusting my intuition and going based off of that, which allows me to feel confident in whatever style I take regardless of external opinions.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from idea to final product?
It boils down to allowing myself to just start, that could be picking up my camera and pointing it around the studio to get the creative flow going, listening to music, dancing or watching a film allows me to create in the most basic sense; making mood boards, talking to other creatives to get inspiration, or simply going out for a walk to think and wonder.
The creative process has evolved into lots of moving parts, from actually going out and walking the streets to get photographs to curating and editing, i tend to follow my intuition in hopes that what i create resonates with others, following my intuition is the most raw and authentic root for my creative endeavors.
What do you hope to communicate or evoke through your photographs?
For me these photographs represent a genesis in creativity and whats possible with art, its a space that allowed me to be comfortable with who i am, and an avenue that gave me purpose so i hope it inspires others to be comfortable with themselves and explore their creativity and the possibilities that art opens up.
Can you discuss any particular photograph or series that holds deep emotional significance for you? What was the inspiration behind it, and how did capturing that image affect you personally?
Creating this series was a journey that spanned a considerable amount of time, allowing me to experience numerous moments and phases in my life. This album is a reflection of my personal growth and maturity, a continuous exploration that has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined.
As I navigate through these images, I travel back to the initial stages of my artistic journey when I had no business to call my own. It takes me through my most recent work, where I've evolved into a writer and editor. This album, like a timeless piece, captures moments that have undergone significant change. These places, buildings, and landscapes continue to transform, reminding me that the only constant is the practice of creating art. Everything is in perpetual motion, and I'm grateful to have witnessed different corners of the Earth.
When I think of Mount , I see a symbol of permanence, even though one day, the mountains themselves may shift, change, erode, crumble and freeze over. It serves as a reminder of the infinite nature of life and offers a beacon of hope, both for me personally and for humanity as a whole. Mount showcases the beauty we must preserve while standing tall as a representation of my soul, urging me to embrace the space around me with grace.
Photography can be a powerful tool for storytelling and capturing the essence of a moment. How do you navigate the balance between revealing your own emotions and allowing viewers to interpret your work in their own unique way?
I believe viewers will always interpret the work in their own unique way. The emotions I reveal are merely another layer, inviting further exploration and understanding. Art is a dynamic exchange; we both consume and create. While my words may provide insights into a particular image, your eyes will reveal a different set of emotions, perspectives, and thoughts when you view it. Whether you agree or disagree with what I say, my hope is that it sparks a meaningful conversation within yourself.
These images serve as an outlet for much of the pain I've endured in my life. They've also given me the strength to share the stories behind them, whether those stories are literal, metaphorical, or symbolic. Each piece empowers me, and my aspiration is to inspire hope within black and brown communities, demonstrating that creativity is a valuable asset."
How do you handle creative blocks or periods of lack of inspiration? Are there any strategies or techniques you use to overcome them?
its important to understand that lack of inspiration is part of the creative process, it helps me be patient, I understand that luls allow me to be mindeful and pruposeful about the insipiration i seek, i tend to grasp films, every day occurances in particular as. well do i find remedy in the nuances of other human beings. Looking around my environtment i can find a direction or pull naturally, its a constant search for a gravitational pull.
I think its important to remain enamored with all parts of the creative process, even whenn we want to critizie ourselves as creatives, the promsie to celebrate creativiity reamins a fruitful reminder that there is beauty even in the days that we cant seem to find it.
I’ll look to understand the different emtions i feel in moments in my life and draw upon those feelings, life allows us to experience a number of emtions, and these emtions guide us, and allow us to see a reality that reciriocprocates a response in our perception of our reality. Fundamentally a creative block serves as a foundaion like that of a home or a skyscrapper.
How do you balance the artistic side of your work with the business side, such as marketing and selling your artwork?
When I first embarked on my photography journey, every aspect of capturing an image became a form of practice. It allowed me to move without fear, solely focused on the creative process. For years, my passion for photography was all-consuming; I hardly spared a thought for the business side of this art. I was utterly enthralled by the images themselves, constantly seeking to create and delve deeper into the practice.
I absorbed everything I could, eager to learn the intricacies of editing, mastering color grading, refining composition, experimenting with various types of exposures, exploring different lenses, subjects, styles, and techniques.
It wasn't until the birth of my daughter that I began to view my passion as a viable business opportunity. I realized the potential for sustainability in my work and was determined to see it come to fruition. Building a business wasn't just a choice; it was a necessity. For one, it offered me the creative freedom of an independent artist, allowing me to express myself without constraints. Additionally, it provided a means to support my family.
The transition from art to business was never a question of 'how' but 'when.' Every step along the way has been a valuable learning experience. I've come to understand that patience is a crucial ingredient, and greatness takes time to develop. This inaugural album stands as a testament to my dedication to the art. It took over a decade of unwavering focus on my craft to compile and share this body of work with the world.
I'm continuously learning and taking things one step at a time. It's essential to trust in my vision. I've already achieved a measure of success; this project, to me, is a significant achievement, and sharing it is a victory in itself. Anything beyond this is simply a bonus."
How does your photography allow you to express your inner thoughts, emotions, or personal experiences? In what ways do you use your art as a form of self-expression and catharsis?
I believe it happens organically; the tools, whether it's the mood board, the camera, or the editing process, all become an extension of who I am in the moment. If I'm feeling a certain way on a particular day, it influences every aspect of the image I'm creating. From the editing techniques to the composition and even the camera settings, it's akin to a songwriter crafting a song that matches their mood. In photography, it's the colors, the subjects, and the elements within the frame that convey these emotions. Capturing an image enables my eyes to speak for me, allowing me to communicate with my audience in a way that goes beyond spoken or written words.
With this album, there were numerous moments when I felt profoundly alone and struggled to cope with the pain. It was a period of hopelessness, marked by uncertainty about my place in life. I hadn't followed the conventional path of college or a traditional career, and I found myself in a dark phase of exploration, where my actions had little direction. I was essentially wandering, attempting to decipher where I fit in this vast world.
When I embarked on my artistic journey, I left behind all preconceived notions about myself. It's natural for others to doubt your pursuit of art—'Art? That's absurd!' Especially where I come from, immigrant parents from small towns in Mexico people tend to opt for what's safe and known. At one point, I even considered pursuing real estate; I had obtained my license, and everyone was supportive of that choice. In hindsight, that experience has provided me with valuable insights into different aspects of business. However, when I redirected my focus from real estate to art, I witnessed a remarkable shift in how those around me perceived me and my aspirations.
When it feels like there's no outlet, I discover solace in venturing out to explore the world while capturing it through my lens. This act, in itself, becomes a means to process negative or restless emotions. It's like dancing; it's the movement within the art that provides release. Sometimes, it's not feasible to express certain ideas, thoughts, or plans verbally. Therefore, uncovering and exploring these truths through sight, whether in the day or night, the studio, by myself or with a subject creates a language that allows my soul to communicate.