TELL US THE STORY BEHIND EACH OF THE IMAGES?
Threshold 01 was actually shot on my first visit to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden (BBG). At the time, I had been living in New York City for about 3 months and was having a really hard time adjusting. I had always loved spending time in nature and found it very calming. I thought why not try checking out the BBG. It was a quiet day, actually a Jewish holiday so there were a lot of large Jewish families roaming around the garden. At one particular point I was enjoying being engulfed by green trees and I looked over and a bunch of siblings were playing on this rock. I instinctively turned my camera on them and snapped. What I photographed has been one of the most profound images I have taken since I arrived in New York City. With the Between Here and There series, I want to keep them more of a mystery at the moment.
THERE IS A FANTASY ELEMENT TO THESE IMAGES. THEY’RE ALMOST MAGICAL… LIKE YOU CAN JUST WALK INTO THEM. WAS THIS THE EFFECT YOU WERE GOING FOR?
I would say yes I was going for that effect. A lot of my photography is very experiential, for me as I’m taking the photograph and for the viewer seeing through my eyes. I want the viewer to feel they can step right into the photograph where they can see and feel exactly as I did when I was there. I have always had a very romantic notion of the landscape, which doesn’t necessarily fit into the views of today. I try to bring some of that romantic, serene emotions I feel back to the viewer.
I come from a very analytical background, having a degree in Psychology. I am a researcher at heart. A lot of the time an idea will pop into my head and I will begin to research online or by going to specific locations. If I feel a connection to it all then I generally will delve a little deeper by beginning to photograph. For me, the conceptual aspect is a little harder and usual comes once I have amassed a collection of photographs.
HOW MUCH OF YOUR WORK IS SPONTANEOUS AS OPPOSED TO CAREFULLY PLANNED OUT SHOTS?
Almost 100% of my work is spontaneous. The extent of planning is just choosing which locations I would like to photograph and then planning which day to go. Otherwise, everything else is left to chance. Currently, most of my work has taken place in parks and gardens where day-to-day things change. I like not knowing what I will get each time I go out.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE ON LOCATIONS OR SUBJECT MATTER?
Again this comes from the research I do once I have decided on a project or a basic idea. For me it is important that I connect with the idea and the locations/subject matters that I choose to photograph.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR ART?
I really love what I do and I hope the viewer can see that. The landscape is a very therapeutic place for me, which is why I believe that I consistently choose it as a subject matter. Much of my work feeds off my own emotions and I hope that comes through in the work.
UNLIKE A LOT OF PHOTOGRAPHERS THESE DAYS YOU MOSTLY SHOOT WITH FILM. WHY?
I grew up in the film generation. It’s how I learned and a lot of my creative process has been centered on it. For me, it is also about the tangible object. I like being able to hold the negative in my hand and having it as a permanent record of what I did. It doesn’t feel the same with digital. I can’t hold that digital file of 1s and 0s. I am a firm believer that in order to fully understand the history of photography and colour theory you need to learn how film works. I am open to the digital process and have begun to integrate it into my own practice but for now I’m still happy shooting film.
YOU CHOOSE TO GO DIGITAL FOR THE “BETWEEN HERE AND THERE” IMAGES. WHY?
When I started photographing for this series, I decided to play around with digital mostly because I could see what I was doing right on the spot. At the time, I also became interested in playing with focus and shallow depths of field. It was easier for me to gain a better understanding of what I liked and what was working by having instant access to viewing. This is also the first time I have solely used digital on a project. So far, so good.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW? TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT?
I am continuing to look at constructed landscapes in different forms/constructions. What is natural can be unnatural and vice versa. Construction of the landscape allows us to be in and experience “nature” while still being a part of the urban structure. I am looking for moments that allow me to forget where I am physically and immerse myself in the “natural” land. So I will be doing more shooting in parks, gardens, and museums in various locations. Plus, I’ve always got a lot of other things up my sleeve.
Thanks Elisa! We look forward to seeing what is "up your sleeve' in the future!
