@robwoodcoxphoto
@honeytothemoonfilm
robwoodcox.com
What is the creative philosophy you follow when creating a piece of art?
I aim to show the world who I am through my art in the hope that it will bring others closer to who they are. Creation has always been an outlet of connecting to the things that matter most to me in this world – love, kindness, community, and change. My process is therapeutic, and I create safe spaces with every production so that people can share this process with me.
Do you find that your mood and life experiences influence your art?
Mood and life experiences always influence my art. I just scrolled through my portfolio and saw how the color palette of my work changes in seasons, not only reflecting the physical locations I’ve been in, but also following an emotional flow. I often meditate on my experiences and write about the visuals that come to mind. When I do this, I see little imaginary short films playing out in my head. I start to make note of the colors, locations, and characters I see in these imaginations and then I bring them to reality through my photographs, and now, in film.
How do you push the boundaries of your creative comfort zone and venture into new artistic territories?
I’ve always been one to “take the leap” and jump into seemingly risky or scary endeavors. I’ve always felt that if I don’t try something, I’ll never know how it might have gone. So, I’m constantly pushing my own boundaries. I’ve been a daring soul since childhood, but with my art, it continued when I came out as queer and started experimenting more with nudity in my photographs. It’s happening to this day as I venture into film making and translate my style to that medium.
What inspired the theme, color palette, or concept of your most recent work?
My most recent work is my first short film Honey to the Moon. The film builds upon my surrealistic photography. With this film, I wanted to explore the journey two lovers take and express how surreal it can feel to lose oneself in a relationship. The film showcases that experience with symbolic imagery and leads audiences on a voyage of returning to the self. I chose to film it in a remote jungle location with rich blues and greens that exude the sultry and whimsical emotions that I associate with my own experiences surrounding romantic love.
As an artist, creative ideas are infinite. How do you decide which idea is worth pursuing?
You’re absolutely right! I have a thousand ideas just waiting to be created. I write them in a journal. It used to feel like a burden, but I’ve trained my mind to catalogue ideas and the associated excitement until I can properly give each concept justice.
If your art had a superpower, what would it be and why?
My art has the superpower of crossing all barriers of language, identity, and religion to reach and unite people around subjects they might otherwise not care about. When I first said I was gay publicly, my art allowed people with both liberal and conservative mindsets to understand me deeper and accept me, despite what they may have previously believed. Through my art I have created projects focused on racial equality, foster care systems in the U.S., and climate change. I hope I can keep purposefully sharing things that matter through my art.
If you could choose one famous person (dead or alive) to be the ambassador of your art, who would it be and why?
I would have loved to be aligned with famous activists and peace makers like Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Marsha P. Johnson, Joan Jett Blakk, MLK, Jane Goodall, Nemonte Nenquimo, and so many others.
If your artwork could talk, what would it say?
I suppose my artwork would recite affirmations. You are beautiful just the way you are. You are worthy of all the dreams you think are out of reach. You are valuable and loved and deserve all the happiness in the world.