Interview With 1stAngel

When did you first become interested in art, in general?

I have always had a creative bent, even as a little girl.  I loved craft kits and building things and drawing pictures.  As I got older, I had opportunities in school to take numerous art classes and explore different media.  Sadly, the responsibilities of adulthood pushed my interest to the back burner for a time, although I continued to write poetry and putter with watercolours and my camera whenever time allowed. But now, with our children grown and our businesses on “autopilot”, I have the time to turn my attention back to a variety of art forms.

I have been exploring photography mostly in the past year or so, but have also been working extensively in coloured pencils and charcoal.  So far I have only shown my photography, though.

When did you first become interested in photography, specifically?

It was during a family vacation in British Columbia, when I was about twelve.  I had a small Kodak Instamatic that loaded a 110 size film cartridge!  Yet, because of the beauty of the landscape as we crossed the Rockies from Alberta, some of those shots were outstanding.  Looking at them, I could see where I could have improved them with a little change here and there.

In one of those “circle of life” moments, it was a trip through Alberta’s Rockies last summer that I was suddenly taken with a desire to try to share the beauty that I was seeing through the lens.  A better quality camera helped, and digital photography has revolutionized the artform for me, allowing me to take a zillion pictures and keep only the ones I like.

I started taking my photography endeavours seriously, and looking for ways to share my vision.  That’s when I found Imagekind.  I have so much to learn, and am enjoying every step of my journey.

Solitary Raven

In what other forms of art do you also work, if any?

I also work in coloured pencils and charcoal, and occasionally watercolours or acryllics.  I am a long way from producing anything I would be willing to share in those media, though!

On which style(s) of photography do you specialise?

I usually go for landscapes and nature photography.

Has your style changed from when you first began? If so, why?

Yes, I have experimented with some city views and urban landscapes, some architectural elements, as well as dabbled a little in digitally altered photos.

Last Apple Of Autumn

What kind of equipment do you use?

I have a humble little Fuji SD1000 and a PC.  I am still stumbling my way through most of the Adobe Photoshop Elements capabilities.  I prefer to do most of my photo’s work with the camera, and use the PC just to do a little minor modification like cropping and altering the contrast.

What made you choose that equipment?

It had all the capabilities that I am able to handle at this point in my development as an artist, and I was really impressed with the quality of the photos.  I had used smaller Fuji cameras before and really liked them.

How do you choose what you’re going to photograph?

I like to look for things in nature that are beautiful, but may not be noticed by other people.  Sometimes it is something hidden, sometimes an angle or lighting or a juxtaposition of subjects.  Sometimes it is something grand and huge, and I want other people to stop and say with me, “Wow! Look at that!” I think most people go through life with blinders, and I feel my job as an artist is to get them to pause and look around, and appreciate the beauty that is everywhere.

Foggy Perspective

What kind of editing do you perform on your photographs, if any?

I try to edit as little as possible, although I would like to get more proficient at Photoshop so I can improve some photos that I like but for one reason or another don’t cut it.

How much time (on average) does it take to complete a work?

Very little for most, but occasionally I will take an image and work it into many different forms – black and white, cropped, digitally enhanced, etc.  I mostly do it just for fun or for practice in Photoshop, but sometimes the results are something I really like.

How do you know when a piece is finished? Is it easy to walk away?

In most cases, the photo is finished once I download it into my computer.  I often wish though that I could go back to a spot with the same conditions and try again with a different angle or focus.

What do you do to overcome a ‘block’?

I go for a walk with my camera.  I am fortunate to live in a small Southern Ontario town, and there is beauty everywhere.

How well do you take criticism and how do you make use of it?

I appreciate constructive criticism very much, because I know what a rank beginner I am.  I have a lot to learn, and I am grateful when more experienced artists take the time and trouble to teach me something.  I try to apply the advice I receive, and although it doesn’t always apply to the goal I am trying to achieve with any given photo, it helps me a lot and puts more tools in my toolbox.

Who is your favourite photographer?

I don’t think I have a favourite photographer, as I am still learning and exploring the works of other artists.

Which one of your photographs is your favourite?

That’s a tough one!  I would have to say that Cloud Mountain 1 is my very favourite.

Cloud Mountain 1

Have you exhibited any of your work in galleries?

So far I have had only one opportunity, at the Niagara Arts Centre Christmas Exhibit.  I am looking forward to more opportunities in the coming year.

Will your work be included at any upcoming contests or galleries? If so, where and when?

I have entered a couple of photos in the Nikon Photo Challenge which will be judged in February.  I am also entered into a juried show with the subject of “The Niagara Escarpment” sponsored by the Niagara Region.  That is also in February.

I have also applied for a time slot for my own exhibit in the Member’s Gallery at the Niagara Arts Centre.

What are your plans for the future?

Embracing photography has changed my whole life. I have worked so hard for so many years raising our children and growing our business interests (somewhat!) and it is only now that those duties are diminishing that I have the opportunity to pursue my own interests. Photography has helped me to de-stress, to relax and to enjoy life again. I feel more like myself, and I have rediscovered my zest for life. I believe that something of that joie de vivre is transmitted in my photos, as is the peace and calm that I have found at my centre. I am a teacher, so if I can help others to feel those things through my photos, then I will consider myself an artist.

Brilliant Glow

I want to continue to practice my art, keep learning, keep growing, keep experimenting.  I want to seek out more opportunities to exhibit my art, and hopefully, I can start to make some sales, too.

What advice do you have for budding photographers?

Shoot everything!  Don’t be afraid to take chances, and learn from your mistakes.

I think you have a talent that is showing in your work strongly.  I wish you all the best and thank you very much for the interview

You can view more of Ariana’s work at arianasart.imagekind.com