Posts from the ‘Interviews’ Category

Interview: Sy Montgomery, Acclaimed Writer

Interview with Sy Montgomery, Acclaimed Writer

I had the pleasure of speaking with my beloved friend, Sy Montgomery, a naturalist, documentary scriptwriter, and author of 38 acclaimed books of nonfiction for adults and children, including the National Book Award Finalist The Soul of an Octopus and the memoir The Good Good Pig, Of Time and Turtles, both New York Times bestsellers. She is the recipient of numerous honors—including lifetime achievement awards from The Humane Society and the New England Booksellers Association. Sy gives a voice and amazing insight into many types of animals. Her adventurous spirit and poetic prose prompted The Boston Globe to describe her as “part Indiana Jones and part Emily Dickinson.” She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, border collie named Thurber, and three baby wood turtles she is raising, with a permit from the state, for release into the wild in the spring.

Sy and I, fortunately, crossed paths while I was finishing my book, Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs, and my life has been greatly enriched. My daughter, Alex, shares Sy’s great love and admiration for animals, and they have become recent pen pals, which she loves, along with reading Sy’s children’s books—Alex absolutely loves Becoming a Good Creature!

“Go out into the world where your heart calls you. The blessing will come, I promise you that. I wish for you the insight to recognize the blessings as such, and sometimes it is hard. But you’ll know it’s a blessing if you are enriched and transformed by the experience. So be ready. There are great souls and teachers everywhere. It’s your job to recognize them.” –Sy Montgomery

KATHERINE CARVER: How do your ideas for your books come to you?

SY MONTGOMERY: It really varies. For example, I was visiting India writing a book on man eating tigers, and I saw pink dolphins in the Ganges, and that inspired me to find out more about the pink dolphins in the Amazon. Years later, while giving a talk about that book at the Roger Williams Park Zoo located in Rhode Island, my host there told me about her research studying Matschie’s tree kangaroos in Papua New Guinea—and a few years later, I would go there with her to write a book about her work. Complete serendipity!

But for other books, the process was different. For The Soul of an Octopus and Of Time and Turtles, I thought long and hard in my soul about what I needed to work on. And this was the case too with my first book, Walking with the Great Apes. I wanted that first book to be a tribute to my mentors: Dr. Jane Goodall; Dr. Dian Fossey; and Dr. Birute Galdikas.

The Soul of an Octopus explores the philosophical mystery of consciousness. For four decades, I’d been writing about how smart animals are and that they do indeed think, feel, and know. However, it was not until 2011, when I met Athena, a Giant Pacific Octopus, that I found the way to talk about consciousness in animals—through experiencing friendships with animals so different from us, you’d have to go to outer space to find someone more alien. Octopuses and humans are separated by half a billion years of evolution. We breathe air; they breathe water; we have bones; they have none; they change color and shape, taste with all their skin, possess venom, shoot ink, and pour their baggy, boneless bodies through tiny openings. And yet, I found, you can make friends with an octopus, who is very clearly a conscious being, just like we are conscious.

In 2023, Of Time and Turtles, was published. It was conceived as a companion to The Soul of an Octopus—it tackles the other great mystery of philosophy besides consciousness, and that is time. Who better to explore time with than turtles, who arose at the time of the dinosaurs and live to such a great age? And, as it turned out, the pandemic was a great teacher of time—and working during that time at a turtle rescue, helping to mend the broken shells of turtles, was a healing balm.

KATHERINE CARVER: How did you get so interested in studying animals in your work?

SY MONTGOMERY: I told my parents, when I was young, that I thought I was a horse, and I then realized I was a dog! I completely felt I had an animal’s soul. I was born in 1958 and, back then, a woman could be: a stewardess, a nurse, or a teacher—not a jungle explorer. I thought initially, I might be a veterinarian. However, when I started to read, I realized that writing could be a vehicle to helping animals, too. I wanted to show people these wonderful animals so they would fall in love with them as I did. Ultimately, the deeper the affection for the natural world can lead to action.

KATHERINE CARVER: Do you have any rituals or practices that helps you get into the flow of your writing?

SY MONTGOMERY: What helps me get into the flow of writing is just being in my office, which is filled with posters, books, and memorabilia. I just love my office, so it affords me a great environment for me to write. My dog, Thurber, is always close by as well, which adds warmth to my environment.

When I am writing, and not promoting a book, I do not answer the phone in the morning; I check my email once in the morning; and I do not text. My husband, Howard Mansfield, is also a writer and, he also works from home, and we have separate offices in different parts of the house, and we do not bother each other, but I am aware of his presence, which is wonderful. I met my husband at Syracuse University, while we were college students and we both worked on the student newspaper!

Additionally, you must make the writing happen, even during those times, that you do not always feel like writing. There was a time in my life, where I experienced great loss for a period; however, when I was around tree kangaroos on the expedition to the cloud forests in Papua, New Guinea, something lifted and changed. I wrote about this in my memoir How to be a Good Creature and its children’s book companion, Becoming a Good Creature. One thing this taught me is that even when you feel despair, you can trust that something wonderful may be waiting to happen right around the corner.

KATHERINE CARVER: You exude so much positivity, has this always been the case?

SY MONTGOMERY: I believe it is innate, the way I am. As a young child, I moved around a lot; my dad was a POW, and it helped to shape my perspective that it is great to wake up and be free! My husband and I both work for ourselves and work from our home, we live on eight acres of beautiful land in a wonderful town, and we are truly happy. We do not need a bunch of stuff; I wake up each morning and tell my husband I love him so much, along with our dog, Thurber, and then I make us all a great breakfast. Next, we walk the dog, and I get to spend the remainder of the day writing about animals! I could not be happier!

KATHERINE CARVER: Who inspires your work?

SY MONTGOMERY: As mentioned earlier, the people who inspire my work are: Dr. Jane Goodall; Dr. Dian Fossey; and Dr. Birute Galdikas. Additionally, Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, my best friend and fellow writer inspires me and my work; and my husband, Howard Mansfield, is my first reader and he greatly inspires my work.

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

SY MONTGOMERY: This fall, I have a children’s book that will be released, which is illustrated by Matt Patterson about our friend, Fire Chief, a 42 pound wild snapping turtle; I am working with Matt on another picture book about caterpillars; I am currently writing essays to accompany a new edition of National Geographic’s Photo Ark book of Joel Sartore’s photographs of animals; and I am writing a book on last summer’s scuba expedition studying giant oceanic manta rays with researcher Michel Guerrero.

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you most proud of?

SY MONTGOMERY: My husband—Howard Mansfield’s work! He is really the writer in the family! He is really the writer in the family!

In terms of my own work, I feel proud that, working alongside many, many others—scientists, authors, artists, lawyers, policy makers—we are starting to move the needle to return to what our kind has known for millennia: that animals think, feel, and know—and deserve not only our respect, but our awe in their presence.

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for creative people?

SY MONTGOMERY: When you cannot believe in yourself, believe in your teachers and inspiration. And do the work and then attend to your feelings about yourself. Most of all, focus on what you love.

KATHERINE CARVER: Do you have a favorite mantra or quote that you live by?

SY MONTGOMERY:  This is attributed to the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus: “The universe is alive, and has fire in it, and is full of gods.” Which means, to me, that our world is incandescent with minds both like and unlike our own—and all of them are holy.

For further reading, please visit Sy Montogmery’s website.

All images contained in this interview were used with the permission of Sy Montgomery.

Interview, A. Kidd, Writer

Interview with A. Kidd, Writer

Recently, I had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing A. Kidd, a writer who lives in Michigan with her husband and daughter. She recently wrote and published a book entitled, The Healing Star.  You can learn more about A. Kidd here.

KATHEIRNE CARVER: You recently wrote The Healing Star, a novel, for young readers.  Can you provide a glimpse of what your novel is about, which includes a dog?

A. KIDD: Stars with healing powers are falling from the sky. Feisty 4th grader Julia is trying to catch one to save her grandmother’s life. Grammu, who Julia calls her cosmic twin, has the invisibly illness and will eventually completely disappear. The town itself is feeling hopeless because of this mysterious disease. A great read during the pandemic about how to find hope during difficult times. Julia’s faithful sidekick is a farting beagle with extra-long ears named Petie who accompanies her on her journey to find the mysterious ladder to the stars. 

KATHERINE CARVER: How did your journey lead you to becoming a writer?

A. KIDD: I actually started telling stories around age four, before I could even write. My mom wrote them down for me while I drew the pictures. In high school I actually wrote my first picture book in Spanish class. Imagine trying to write in a language you aren’t actually fluent in! In college, I participated in performance poetry, which really helped me learn how to tell a story. I enjoyed the immediate feedback as well. I studied journalism, which taught me research skills. I also liked interviewing people and getting to know their stories. But one day I covered a poetry open mic and realized I wanted to be part of it, not writing about the event. I went to graduate school to be a children’s librarian.  It was inspiring being around all those books! Then one day I took a leap of faith and wrote my own book!

KATHERINE CARVER: What artists/writers inspire you?

I’m inspired by authors Sharon Creech, Francesca Lia Block, and Jandy Nelson for their use of lyrical and poetic language. They each have a unique writing style. I’m impressed by their ability to create relatable characters and intriguing stories while also captivating readers with their words.

KATHERINE CARVER: Do you have any rituals and/or practice that you implement while writing?

A. KIDD: I start with research first, because it’s less intimidating and can help spark ideas. I also reread the previous chapter before moving to the next chapter, to reorient myself to the story. Sometimes I actually stop in the middle of a sentence so that it will be easier to begin again the next day. I also believe in working in time blocks where you reward yourself at the end of a session with a short break or treat.

KATHERINE CARVER: Do you have any favorite, go-to books for inspiration?

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield helps remind me that I’m a professional writer, no matter what stage I’m at. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg is comforting to read, because it shares writing tips in the form of poems. It’s essentially sharing craft while teaching it. Wired for Story by Lisa Cron shows you how to write in a way that will connect with readers down to their very core. 

KATHERINE CARVER: How do you not let fear hinder you from beginning a new endeavor?

A. KIDD: Fear is always with me, like a little bird on my shoulder. I let it talk, but I don’t let it stop me from pursuing my dreams. I use the same tactics I mentioned above to trick myself into starting something new or continuing the work. Since I now have a three-year-old daughter, I don’t have the luxury of giving fear my time.  If I give into fear, I’ve lost not only a day’s work, but also money spent on a babysitter, and time I could have spent with my daughter. Also, I get a little braver with each task I accomplish. Deciding for myself that my book was finished and sending it out into the world has given me more confidence than ever. There is power in making your own choices and not asking for permission.

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going and what keeps you motivated daily?  

A. KIDD: I’m motivated by my life’s dream to be a children’s author. I feel like we all have a purpose in life, and I feel most fulfilled when I’m on my path, even on the hard days. I’m even more motivated by my young daughter. I want to create stories for her that will help her find her way in this complex world. With everything going on these days, I feel it is my responsibility to share my gifts and talents and try to make the world a little brighter. 

KATHERINE CARVER: How has becoming a mom impacted your creativity and writing?

A. KIDD: Being a mom creates both challenges and opportunities. Finding time to write and not feeling guilty about it is difficult. However, I want to show my daughter that mothers have their own aspirations too, and that it is important for everyone to contribute to society and do what they’re good at and what makes them happy. And honestly, I’ve never felt more creative. My daughter inspires me every day as she grows and learns about the world. I’m grateful to be there to witness it. It’s easier to get into the mindset of a child when you’re raising one. And I feel like sometimes she’s teaching me about life more than I’m teaching her. The story ideas just naturally flow from our day-to-day interactions.

KATHERINE CARVER: What is your favorite quote and why is this your favorite quote?

A. KIDD: I once heard children’s author Rachel Vail speak at a conference. She wrote a wonderful middle grade book called Justin Case about a boy who worries a lot. I can totally relate! She said, “Being brave is not the opposite of worry.” I never used to think of myself as brave since I didn’t like to do risky activities like skydiving or bungee jumping. But when I wanted to become a better writer, I got on a plane and went to a big national conference in Los Angeles all by myself without knowing anyone. I was scared, but I didn’t let it stop me from going. You don’t have to take every risk to be brave. You don’t have to be worry-free to be brave. I think true bravery is doing something you want to do even though it scares you. I always ask myself if something I’m afraid of is something I actually want to do. If the answer is no, then I don’t do it. But if the answer is yes, then I push myself to try.

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you currently working on now?

A. KIDD: I have a few projects in the works. One is a young adult dystopian science-fiction book about the fate of the environment told in dual perspectives. Another is a picture book that retells a Japanese myth but with a twist at the end.

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for living a creative life?

A. KIDD: Society will make you think that what you’re doing isn’t useful and that you should get a “real” job. But there is nothing more real or useful or needed in the world than art. Take small steps if you must, but attempt to incorporate some form of creativity into your daily life. A quote I love is by renowned poet Mary Oliver. She says, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” I try to ask myself that question every day and so should you.

KATHERINE CARVER: Where can people find your book? 

 To purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1733899200; https://books2read.com/TheHealingStar; and https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781733899208

For signed copies, email: A.Kiddwrites@gmail.com

Author page: https://www.facebook.com/A.Kiddwrites/

Interview: Delphine Crépin, Photographer

Interview with Delphine Crépin, Photographer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, I had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing Delphine Crépin, a France-based photographer and film director, who recently has created a photography series, entitled, Waste, a compilation of images utilizing a collage method incorporating dogs and spaces.  According to Crépin, “The idea [Waste] came to me while sorting through my photographs.  Today the notion of photography as a documentary has been totally rethought.  We take, we throw, and we move on to the next thing, hoping that it is better.  By creating this series, I saw something of a revival of these clichés.”  Crépin hopes the viewer observes an image juxtaposition, which raises the question — has the dog been left alone for a minute or has the dog been abandoned?  A selection of Delphine Crépin’s work is displayed below.  Her work has been shown in numerous exhibitions.  Please visit Delphine Crépin website to view more of her wonderful work.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as a photographer and when did you realize it would become your chosen form of expression?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: I’ve always been attracted to the camera.  Being able to freeze a moment forever intrigues me and reassures me.  As a child, I loved leafing through photo albums of family, giving me the ability to live these past moments.  In fact, sometimes, I realize that these albums derive my memories.  Most of all, the fear of forgetting pushes me to photograph the present.  I started reading about the subject and I discovered the work of Jeff Wall, who really gave me the push to continue.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art formally?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: Not officially in a school; however, I personally have studied photography on my own – my house is filled with books, essays, films, documentaries, and photographs.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How do you describe your style?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: Both documentary and fiction – a quest for identity.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating photographs was absolutely something that you had to do?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: I first realized I wanted to create photographs during the collaboration on the InvU project, where I created a portrait series of disfigured people.  At that time, photography as a medium made sense to me.  Photography allowed me to convey a message and touch a large number of people from different universes.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin photographing dogs, as you have several series focusing on dogs, including your work entitled, Waste?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: I have always loved animals, especially dogs.  I started photographing dogs by chance.  A few years ago, without asking, while I was preparing my studio for a shoot, my dog, Dogabert, came to the front of the camera.  He sat still, in front of the camera, unwilling to move.  I needed to do some light testing anyway, so I took advantage of this serendipity.  I put a coat on my dog’s back and started photographing him.  The lighting and the intensity in my dog’s eyes pierced me.  I try, through my photographs, to give dogs a voice.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How have your own dog(s)/animal(s) influenced your work?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: Dagobert, my dog, is simply my source of inspiration.  He leads me to reflect on subjects that are far from me; and he has opened the doors to another world, not so far from our own.  Importantly, Dogobert has allowed me to see with a less human, unprejudiced outlook.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Where did the idea derive from for your work entitled, Waste?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: WASTE is both a recent series and a reprint of forgotten photographs.  The idea came to me while sorting through my photographs.  Today the notion of photography as a documentary has been totally rethought.  We take, we throw, and we move on to the next thing, hoping that it is better.  By creating this series, I saw something of a revival of these clichés.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: In your series, Waste, how did you decide to implement an image within an image approach, so to speak?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: The collage seems interesting to me in the sense that the two subjects – the dogs and the open spaces share commonalities.  In the unconscious of people, the dog is not discernable from the human and the places that surround the dog and human.  In contrast, when the dog is shown waiting in front of a building, waiting in front of a shop, or waiting in the middle of natural space, illustrates the attachment of the dog to his master – wherever the dog is he waits for his master.  The juxtaposition of these images and the choice of the title “WASTE” (déchet in French) seemed an important indicator of reuse.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What do you hope viewers take away after viewing your work entitled, Waste?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: Here the viewer observes an image juxtaposition; by this association, I hope that it raises the question: has the dog been deposited there for a minute or has the dog been cowardly abandoned?  I try to make the viewer react in relation to the place given to the animals and the message that these images convey.  The collage leads the viewer in another direction and tries to find a meaning.  I hope that the viewer interprets a larger impact collectively via the collage rather than separately.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Where do you show/exhibit your work?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: My work has been exhibited in variousmuseums and galleries such as: Au Palais des Papes d’Avignon; à l’Historial de la Grande Guerre de Péronne; à la Galerie Jean-François Cazeau à Paris; au Pôle international de la Préhistoire; and à la maison de la Culture d’Amiens.  My work has also appeared in various magazines and on the Internet.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What does ‘being creative’ mean to you?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: Surprising oneself and constantly challenging oneself.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect of being a photographer?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: Succeeding in making a living.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going and what keep you motivated?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: The satisfaction of creating something that makes me believe that my job improves the daily lives of people.  I like to think that art is the only thing that allows us to dream.  Ultimately, photography, for me, is a part of my identity.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What types of patterns, rituals, and routines do you have while making your photographs?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: When I come home from a shoot, I cannot wait to see the results.  But I refuse to look at the images that day; instead, I wait at least a day to review the images.  Over time, I realized that we must let the images and ideas rest.  One must let one’s mind forget and create a memory.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: I continue to work on my series at the animal shelter, to help encourage adoption.  And, in parallel, I am working on a photographic inventory of community portraits.  I focus on people in a group and how they differentiate themselves as an individual from the group.  I focus mainly on groups of people who do not have a place in society.  In the hour when individualism is the key word of our society, I focus on the people who have chosen to be part of an unusual group.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: Jeff Wall and Genevieve Cadieux for the moment posed, freeze-frame; Wim Wenders for the side portrait of nature; Alec Soth and August Sanders for the documentary; Diane Arbus for the portrait; William Wegman for his painting and portrait of Man Ray; and David Hockney as a painter, photographer, and complete artist.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: Be yourself and persist.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view your work?

DELPHINE CRÉPIN: On my website; my instagram; and you can contact me via email at delphinecrepin@me.com.

 

All images are courtesy of Delphine Crépin.

You can read more interviews here.

Interview: Jessica Marie, Painter

Interview with Jessica Marie, Painter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, I had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing Jessica Marie, a full-time Minneapolis-based painter, who reached out recently.  Jessica creates wonderful custom paintings, and she has been creating paintings for the past twenty years and she paints in both a realistic and modern aesthetics.  I really like Jessica’s artist philosophy, which is discussed in more detail below.  She states, “If you work hard and are persistent with creating, inspiration will always come along with the process.  The more you work, the more inspiration you will have.”  Please visit Jessica Marie’s website to view more of her work, which is not only limited to animals.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as a painter and when did you realize it would become your chosen form of expression?

JESSICA MARIE: I’ve always had a strong interest in art since I was very young.  I enjoyed experimenting with a lot of different materials.  I started oil painting when I was 13-years-old.  I realized in high school that I wanted to go to art school to pursue a professional career with my art.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art formally?

JESSICA MARIE: Yes, I attended Syracuse University in New York for Graduate Studies in painting, and I received a BFA in Painting from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in Minnesota.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How do you describe your style?

JESSICA MARIE: For my dog portraits, I work in two different styles: My Modern, Expressive style features bright colors and texture that make a one-of-a-kind painting.  This is a loose and painterly style showing the actual brushstrokes on the canvas.  I use oil paints in many layers with small charcoal drawing elements giving it a very unique modern look.

My Realistic, Detailed style features natural light, color, and space that make a striking, unique painting.  This style has a lot of  blended layers, textured brushstrokes, and small details.  I use oil paints in a neutral color and gradually add layers of brighter color and detail that give it a one-of-a-kind realistic and painterly look. 

 I can also work in other styles upon request, from realistic to abstract.  I really enjoy the uniqueness of each style to create a custom painting that my art collector’s will love and cherish in their homes for years to come.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating paintings was absolutely something that you had to do?

JESSICA MARIE:  I naturally gravitated to painting since I was a child.  I’ve always had a strong passion for creating things.  It took many years to develop my painting skills and personal styles.  I work full-time as a professional artist, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.  Art is my life’s passion, and I enjoy creating paintings that make people happy.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin painting animals?

JESSICA MARIE: I’m a huge animal lover.  I really enjoy capturing the uniqueness of an animal’s personality.  Each one is so different and special.  It’s wonderful to be able to express this through my art.  People love their pets, and a painting can capture the expression and personality in a way that a photograph isn’t able to.  It’s a great way to pay tribute to our beloved pets.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How have your own dogs/animals influenced your artwork?

JESSICA MARIE: I grew up with five chow chow dogs, along with cats and hamsters.  I’m currently a proud pet parent of a beautiful 17-year-old Siamese cat that loves spending time in my art studio.  I’d love to also have a dog again, but at the moment my Siamese cat demands she has to be the one and only in the household!  I started creating drawings and paintings of my pets when I was young, and I still create artwork based on my cat.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Where do you show/exhibit your work?

JESSICA MARIE: I exhibit my artwork locally in Minneapolis and nationally at various art galleries.  I currently have paintings on exhibit in New York, Kansas, and Florida.  I was just recently notified that I won the First Place Juror Award for an international exhibition at FSU Museum of Fine Arts in Florida.  I have an upcoming solo exhibition in Minneapolis in Spring 2017.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What does “being creative,” mean to you?

JESSICA MARIE: Being creative is about exploring and discovering new ideas and techniques.  It’s about finding new ways to present your ideas and thoughts visually.  This leads to a newfound perspective of my art, life, and experiences.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect of being an artist?

JESSICA MARIE: I think the most challenging aspect as an artist is to keep yourself motivated and push forward with or without immediate inspiration.  If you work hard and are persistent with creating, inspiration will always come along with the process.  The more you work, the more inspiration you will have.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going and what keeps you motivated?  

JESSICA MARIE: I really enjoy working on my art daily.  If I’m having difficulty with motivation, then I like to experiment with different materials and discover new ideas through the painting process.  There’s always something new to be discovered and it helps keep me motivated.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What kind of patterns, rituals, and routines do you have while making your art?

JESSICA MARIE: I keep a to-do list of what I need to work on each day.  It includes prepping canvas, painting, varnishing and marketing work.  Sometimes I have multiple projects I’m working on, so it helps to keep everything organized and to meet my deadlines.  I enjoy listening to art podcasts and music to keep me energized while painting in the studio.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

JESSICA MARIE: Some artists that inspire my work are Seurat, Matisse, Modigliani, Klimt, de Kooning, Dorothea Tanning, and Alice Neel.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

JESSICA MARIE: Practice.  Practice.  Practice.  Create a studio schedule and stick to it.  Don’t seek perfection.  Keep experimenting, exploring ideas and techniques.  You will eventually find your own voice and style.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view and purchase your art works?

JESSICA MARIE: You can find more info, photos, and videos of my Custom Pet Portraits on my website.

I can paint any animal and breed.  I have a variety of canvas sizes to choose from.  All I need are some of your favorite photos and your background preference.  I can also work from multiple photographs to combine multiple pets in one painting.  I’m happy to help you choose the photo that will work best and make suggestions for colors, compositions, and backgrounds to create a special one of a kind painting of your pet.  If you are interested in a custom painting or have any questions, please email me at hello@sweetmurmur.com.

 

Below are a few videos of Jessica Marie’s work.

 

All images contained in this interview are courtesy of Jessica Marie.

You can read additional interviews here.

Interview: Lauren Sheldon, Photographer

Interview with Lauren Sheldon, Photographer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, I had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing Lauren Sheldon, a London-based photographer, who is working on Rescue Me, a project where Sheldon explores the benefits of dog rescue by visiting the homes of the adopters.  Sheldon says, “I capture a glimpse of the lives of both them and their dogs in their environments.  The project reflects a true representation of my time with these families.”  Additionally, as part of the project, Sheldon records the conversations she has with the adopters to capture the touching stories of the dogs included in Rescue Me.  A selection of Lauren Sheldon’s work is displayed below.  Please visit Lauren Sheldon’s website to view more of her wonderful work.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as a photographer and when did you realize it would become your chosen form of expression?

LAUREN SHELDON: During my last few years at school, I found myself gravitating towards the darkroom.  Photography was relatively new to the curriculum, at that time, and not a lot of money had been spent on the facilities.  I will always remember developing my very own print – from the enlarger to the three dip trays.  Consuming the very apparent smell of the chemicals whilst standing alone in a small cold room, filled with only the small glow of red light illuminating from the make shift red bulb that hung precariously on the wall, is when I knew photography was going to be the career for me.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art formally?

LAUREN SHELDON: I have an ‘A’ level Art, and went to college to do my Art Foundation Course.  I then decided I wanted to study photography as a degree so I converted my bedroom at my parents’ house into a darkroom, and created a portfolio that I took to the Universities for interviews.  I was lucky enough to be accepted at Manchester Metropolitan University where I completed a degree in Photography and Imaging.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating photographs was absolutely something that you had to do?

LAUREN SHELDON: It was during a project I completed at University.  The assignment was to produce an image that could be used for a 48 sheet poster for a mock Levi advertising campaign to convey the longevity and durability of Levi’s product.  So I took a series of photos of a family friend, Jean, who was 80, wearing my Levi jeans and jacket.  She had incredibly beautiful eyes, and a wrinkly face full of character, making the photos eye-catching and engaging.  I realized that making images to represent an idea or a message could be a very powerful.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin your project entitled, “Rescue Me?”

LAUREN SHELDON: As a child I was a little scared of dogs and, before I got my own dog, I had none or little knowledge about them really, and so when it came to choosing a dog it made the idea of rescuing one a scary option.  I’m embarrassed to say that I had the typical misconceptions about dogs that were in shelters — that they were all going to have behavioral problems, possible aggression issues, and I just didn’t feel like I was up for the job.  I was much more comfortable with the idea of nurturing a dog from a puppy.  In my opinion, I couldn’t have been more wrong.  In my experience, dogs in shelters are no different to any other dog, they have just had a less fortunate life than others and, if anything, are more loving and grateful and, during this project, I have seen this first hand.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the goal of your project, “Rescue Me?”

LAUREN SHELDON: The intent of the project is to explore the benefits of rescuing.  I hope I can use my work as a tool to get the message across about how rewarding adopting a dog can be; and to raise awareness because the more knowledge that can be put out there, the more chance these dogs have of receiving a second chance.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How did you decide to incorporate oral narratives into your project, “Rescue Me?”

LAUREN SHELDON: I photo documented a glimpse of the dogs’ lives, but to hear the adopters’ stories, in their own words, made the project complete, and probably more important than the photographs themselves in many ways.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How has your own dog(s) influenced your work?

LAUREN SHELDON: Since getting my own dog, Sid, three years ago, my photography has been almost solely focused on Sid and dogs in general.  I’ve met many dog owners and dogs through Sid, and my love for them has grown and grown.  I hoped that combining my love for both photography and dogs, I would be able to help, if only in a small way, to raise awareness for the cause.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What does “being creative” mean to you?

LAUREN SHELDON: Thinking of an idea and seeing it develop.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect of being a photographer?

LAUREN SHELDON: Individuality.  It’s been a long time since I have worried about it.  I realized that there are so many photographers that we are bound to be simultaneously compared and inspired by them.  For me, it’s the ideas behind the work that makes it individual.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going and what keeps you motivated?

LAUREN SHELDON: I want to keep telling stories and I strive to improve.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What are the most rewarding and satisfying part about being and artist and creating art?

LAUREN SHELDON: For a project like Rescue Me, the most rewarding part would be to know that my work has made a small difference; and it is extremely rewarding knowing that just one dog gets adopted because of it.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

LAUREN SHELDON: I am currently working on the book for Rescue Me, which I am hoping to get published soon.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

LAUREN SHELDON: Martin Parr and Sally Mann will always be my two most inspirational photographers.  I was introduced to Mann’s work whilst studying for my degree.  Grayson Perry’s wittily satirical view on the world is a reminder that I shouldn’t worry about success, but to just enjoy it and live it.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

LAUREN SHELDON: Know yourself.  Don’t worry about being cool and on trend.  “Coolness is a strait-jacket for creativity.”  Also, it is important to always put in the hours.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view your work?

LAUREN SHELDON: My website is:  www.watchdabirdie.co.uk  and I am on Instagram @watchdabirdie1.

 

All images contained in this interview are courtesy of Lauren Sheldon.

You can read additional interviews here.

Interview: Josh Bryant, Photographer

Interview with Josh Bryant, Photographer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, I had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing Josh Bryant, a London-based photographer who observes the bond between man and dog, as well as the similarities of the two, which Bryant explores in his series entitled, “Companions.”  According to Bryant, “I believe when individuals look for a dog as a pet, at some level, largely subconsciously, one will look for something that mirrors something about oneself.  Someone’s choice of dog therefore could reveal hidden personality traits that would not immediately become apparent when an individual is observed or whilst listening to them speak.”  Bryant says, “with confidence of the dog at their side, people offer you a glimpse into their lives that they would not normally allow; making private become public, where once they would feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.”  A selection of Josh Bryant’s work is displayed below.  Please visit Josh Bryant’s website to view more of his wonderful work.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as a photographer and when did you realize it would become your chosen form of expression?

JOSH BRYANT: Photography was a big part of my childhood.  My dad would frequently be taking photos or documenting the family via videos with the use of the camcorder.  Sometime around secondary school, I got really into photography, while using my camera as an excuse to go on adventures or take photos of live music to gain access to gigs.  I think after school, I knew there was not much reason for me to try to do anything else, it seemed the only thing that suited me at the time.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art formally?

JOSH BRYANT: Yes, I studied an Art foundation followed by a degree in photography, which I earned at the Norwich University of the Arts.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How do you describe your style?

JOSH BRYANT: Elegant, yet informative and truthful.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating photographs was absolutely something that you had to do?

JOSH BRYANT: Though I have been taking photos for most of my life, I don’t think it really felt right until a couple of years back.  I purchased a Hasselblad 500 c/m and completely fell in love with it.  This camera uses medium format film, which forces the user to slow down and actually makes one think about the image one is taking.  I felt this encouraged me to take my subject matter far more seriously, along side the notion of having a physical negative of the image made the whole process feel far more organic and rewarding.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin creating your series entitled, “Companions?”

JOSH BRYANT: I wanted to recreate a project that struck close to home.  Dogs have been a main focal point throughout my family.  My grandmother was a corgi breeder and a judge at Crufts, while my auntie is a life-long dog trainer.  I wanted to discover whether these people, and people alike, share the same interest and love for dogs I do, while also examining how their relationship with their animals work.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How do you believe dogs and their humans are connected?

JOSH BRYANT: As I documented in my “Companions” series, I believe all dog owners are subconsciously drawn towards different types of dogs depending on their lifestyle and character.  I believe we tend to match ourselves with pets that we feel we share something in common with.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How have your own dogs/animals influenced your artwork?

JOSH BRYANT: Since birth, I was living alongside a wildlife Heritage Foundation in South-East England, which bread endangered cats, both large and small.  While growing up, my sister and I rode horses and of course we always owned a family dog.  Photography soon brought me to London in search for work; however, I believe you never escape your childhood roots and I felt myself combining my love for photography and animals, especially dogs.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What does “being creative” mean to you?

JOSH BRYANT: I believe everyone has their own personal way to output creatively however it may suit him/her.  For me, it’s about seeing an idea and acting upon it with determination, faith, energy, and passion to bring forth, that which does not exist into something that does.

 

 

 KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect of being a photographer?

JOSH BRYANT: For me personally, right now, the most challenging aspect is the competitiveness, especially being in a city like London.  You have to eat, live, and sleep photography, or you will fall behind.  That being said, I never forget the reason I fell in love with photography, and to make sure I don’t drift away from that.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going and what keeps you motivated?

JOSH BRYANT: I guess as humans we always want to feel that sense of accomplishment and worthiness.  I’m always striving to improve my work and myself.  When I was younger, I was largely motivated because I wanted to impress my grandparents and parents; however, as I have become older, I work harder for myself.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What are the most rewarding and satisfying part about being an artists and creating art?

JOSH BRYANT: I would have to say the most rewarding aspect is the making process, bringing your idea to life.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What kind of patterns, rituals, and routines do you have while making your art?

JOSH BRYANT: I don’t particularly have any specific routines or rituals.  Although, I do surround myself with images on a daily basis, and the Internet is such a great tool for this.  

 

 

 KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

JOSH BRYANT: I am currently working on two personal projects: a documentary project capturing the variety of different hairdressers in London; and the other project involves house plants, however it is still in the very early stages.  

 

 KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

JOSH BRYANT: Alec Soth – I love the large-scale projects he undertakes, creating stories behind every image.  Additionally, my favorite animal photographer is Tim Flach.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

JOSH BRYANT: Find what you enjoy doing and get extremely good at it.  Keep creating even if you think the idea isn’t going anywhere and stay happy.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view and purchase your art works?

JOSH BRYANT: You can visit my website; and instagram users can follow @joshbryantphoto.

 

Please note that all of the images contained in this blog post are courtesy of Josh Bryant.

You can read additional interviews here.

Interview with Ty Foster, Photographer

Interview with Ty Foster, Photographer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ty Foster is a Connecticut born photographer who formerly worked in the insurance industry, and later changed directions and begun photographing anything he could, finally settling on animals as his subject.  Ty Foster’s publisher recently reached out to me concerning Ty Foster’s recent book, LICK, comprising photographs of dogs in mid lick!  You can view a behind the scenes video in conjunction with the book, LICK, here.  A selection of Ty Foster’s work is displayed below.  Please visit Ty Foster’s website to view more of his work.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as a photographer and when did you realize it would be your chosen form of expression?

TY FOSTER: I wasn’t a kid who grew up with a camera.  I photographed my friends mountain biking and doing jumps and things, but I never took it seriously.  It wasn’t until I studied abroad in England that I really started to engage and take photography more seriously.  From then on, every year I started photographing more, reading more, refining my images until I decided to quit my full-time job and pursued it as a career.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art formally?

TY FOSTER: I graduated with a degree in marketing and a minor in graphic design; however, I never took any photography courses and related courses that involved photography.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating photographs was absolutely something that you had to do?

TY FOSTER: I think it was something that evolved out of a set of certain circumstances.  I worked at a job I did not enjoy for three years and, during that time, photography was my escape and it just evolved into something I really became passionate about.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin photographing dogs?

TY FOSTER: I am not really sure what it was that actually triggered me into wanting to focus on photographing animals.  I’ve always been really passionate about animals and animal welfare so I am sure that had something to do with it.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How has your dog inspired your work?

TY FOSTER: I don’t think there is an animal photographer or dog photographer alive that hasn’t had an animal or a dog himself/herself.  I think everyone has a muse that’s close to him or her that has inspired him or her at some point.  All the animals in my life have certainly been inspirations, and fortunately enough they’re all extremely patient.  Tech, our Rhodesian Ridgeback, has actually learned to count the shutter clicks and when he’s heard about seven to eight clicks, he comes trotting over for a treat.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Where did the idea come from for your work and new book entitled, LICK?

TY FOSTER: It wasn’t planned at all.  I was working on a shoot for a client at the time and I grabbed some peanut butter as a last resort to keep the dog in the studio a little bit longer.  As soon as we gave him peanut butter, he wouldn’t stop licking and we got these wonderful, ridiculous portraits.  I knew immediately that I had to try this with different breeds and different ages to see what reactions and emotions we could capture.  

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How did your new book, LICK, get published?

TY FOSTER: The LICK series went viral, so to speak, and various blogs picked it up and, before I knew it, LICK spread all over the internet.  Jen Bilik, the founder of Knock Knock, sent me an email and asked if I would be interested in making a book.  Obviously, I was extremely excited and honored to be asked!

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What does “being creative,” mean to you?

TY FOSTER: Getting excited about the work you are putting out into the world.  With all aspects of life, there are those who do things to impress others, and then there are those who do things to impress themselves.  Thinking of ideas and watching them grow from a sketch or doodle on a piece of paper to a print is such a rewarding process.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect of being a photographer?

TY FOSTER: I think staying creative and inspired.  Actually taking a photograph represents such a small percentage being a photographer.  There are many different things to juggle from finances, to marketing, to the day-to-day tasks.  It’s a real challenge juggling all the responsibilities of running an actual business.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going and what keeps you motivated?

TY FOSTER: Being passionate about what you do, regardless of what you do in life, even if it is something you absolutely love to do, there are always going to be good days and bad.  I believe understanding what your true interests in life are, and then weaving them into a career will certainly help keep you motivated.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What kind of patterns, rituals, and routines do you have while making your work?

TY FOSTER: When ideas pop into my head I’ll jot them down and let my subconscious crunch on it for a while.  Then, I’ll think of another part of the idea and soon I’ll have a fully formed idea.  Not everything I write down initially turns into an idea either and I think that’s the exciting part, determining which idea(s) I want to run with.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

TY FOSTER: Currently, I am working on a sequel to LICK and I have a few non-dog related projects that are still in the idea phase.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

TY FOSTER: Oh, this is a tough one, especially since I pull from so many different sources.  Nick Brandt’s work is phenomenal, Ralph Steadman, Zaria Forman, Elliott Erwitt, Dan Winters … the list could go on and on.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice can you provide for aspiring photographers and artists?

TY FOSTER: Be true to yourself and photograph things that excite you!  There are many people already photographing what’s in style or what’s trending now, and there will always be people who are mimicking the latest trends.  Find your style or your niche and be true to it and push yourself.  Also, find a mentor or someone who look up to and reach out to them.  A mentor is priceless.

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view and purchase your recent book, LICK?

TY FOSTER: The LICK book is available online at both Amazon and through the publisher.

*All images contained in this interview are courtesy of Ty Foster.

You can read additional interviews here.