Parallel Paths
Photographer: Tara Johnson
1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?
Growing up surrounded by art and creativity instilled in me a deep respect for self-expression and authenticity. However, as I entered the rigid environment of an office job as an adult, I found it stale and artificial, and the routine left me longing for the freedom and vitality of artistic expression. This inauthenticity and dissatisfaction ultimately ignited my desire to quit in pursuit of the arts, leading me back to my true passion for creative purity, with a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.
2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?
Collaborations are always a fertile ground for unexpected artistic outcomes. Every collaboration I embark on is accompanied by its own surprises, whether it's a new perspective, a fresh technique, or an entirely unforeseen direction. Often a wardrobe or styling choice will be the missing piece of the puzzle and drive the entire story, or it’ll require quick thinking and innovation on the fly to not derail the entire shoot. Both of these examples have led to some of my favorite and most striking pieces. Embracing these surprises can lead to exciting and enriching artistic growth, fostering a dynamic and ever-evolving creative journey.
3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?
Every project comes with a new set of challenges to overcome. My earliest and most defining challenge was navigating an extremely small studio space, all that was available to me in the beginning years of my career. It was difficult, but over time I learned to embrace the constraints as opportunities for innovation. I experimented with various lighting techniques, learning how to maximize the available space's potential. Through trial and error, I discovered unconventional methods to manipulate light, creating dynamic compositions despite the limitations. This experience carried through with me to bigger shoots and larger spaces, as it taught me the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in problem-solving.
4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?
What sets my work apart is that I dedicate a lot of additional time and effort in getting to know my subjects and making them feel as comfortable and open with me as possible. Fostering a sincere relationship creates a comfortable atmosphere for capturing an essence that is raw and honest. This blend of technical skill and emotional depth is what I find most interesting in my work.
5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?
As I reflect on my journey, my main goal for my artistic career is simply to keep improving and growing every day. I’m weary of solely chasing milestones as I want to continue enjoying the creative process itself, without being hindered by expectations and comparisons with others. By prioritizing this mindset, I believe I can continue to evolve as an artist while finding fulfillment in the journey.
6. How did you discover Mob and what made you choose us? <3
I discovered Mob through Instagram and have admired the work published ever since. Seeing the quality and style of the editorials, I felt it was a perfect match for my own work. Choosing Mob was a no-brainer; its aesthetic and content align closely with my artistic vision, making it the ideal platform to showcase my editorial.
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Photographer: Tara Johnson
Wardrobe Stylist: Joshua Austin Styled
Model: Shai Fassom
Model: Georgia Black