What role does vulnerability play in your creative process, and how does it influence the outcome of your work?
Vulnerability is woven into my photography, not only through the exposure of my skin, but also in the way that I convey the emotions I struggle to express otherwise. However, I prefer not to reveal everything too explicitly, whether visually or metaphorically, which has led me to explore symbolic storytelling. As a result, I think my work feels visceral yet remains open to wide interpretation.
In what ways does your creative process reflect your personality or worldview? Are there elements of your work that you intentionally infuse with your own beliefs or values?
My creative process reflects a significant part of my personality. I’m a lone wolf who prefers to rely mostly on myself. The thought of working with a group of creatives or assistants sounds like a nightmare to me. However, I do have a wonderfully supportive partner who understands my needs and helps with some of the more challenging practicalities. My photography is deeply personal and also therapeutic for me, so it contains my worldview and the wealth of my experiences, such as growing up as a woman in a patriarchal country.
How do you approach capturing emotions in your work? Are there specific techniques or methods you use to convey feelings through your images?
Capturing emotions is the foundation of my art. While I avoid overt techniques, like showing my face or writing literal words on my skin, I love to convey feelings through symbols, colors, and textures. This year, I’ve been particularly focused on exploring body language, which has led to some exciting new directions in movement.
In what ways has your personal growth or life experiences influenced the evolution of your artistic style and themes?
With age, I’ve gained confidence and hopefully, some wisdom. I realized that my need for control, often through obsessive perfectionism, was stifling my naturally untamed creative spirit. By reducing the number of test shoots, I’ve embraced more exploration and spontaneity. After all, I had spent years developing my process of using my skin as a live canvas. I trust myself to know what I’m doing.
How do you recharge your creative energy after a period of burnout or creative block?
I give myself a lovely guilt-free break and don’t force myself to do anything that doesn’t feel natural to me. Art has always been my escape, my safe and sacred space. I had made a conscious decision to have a full-time job to keep it that way. The last thing I would wish to do is produce for the sake of producing. I simply want to continue creating with freedom and joy.
Can you describe a moment when you felt completely in tune with your creative intuition?
With every piece I create, there is a moment during the shoot when I check the preview to see that everything has beautifully fallen into place. Sometimes that place is close to what I had imagined. Other times, the view is a bit more unexpected. However, in that special moment when I know, is when I feel most in tune with my creative intuition.
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