Light worker. Capturing energies and translating them into snapshots you can relive forever.
Elle Bry Thomas (Photography) and I shoot people for a living.
What have you been up to the last 6 months/what projects have you been working on?
My most recent project in collaboration with Fresh Air Foundations and titled “I Am” is about highlighting positive role models within the community. So far the project consists of 20 people.
I showcased my images by having them projected on a large screen at Gloucester Guildhall October 19, alongside other creatives who performed on the night; Grove, Rafeelya and JPDL (the night hosted by FAF). We hope to include another 20 – 30 people, which will be showcased in a print exhibition and possibly a photo book at a later date.
The inspiration for the project is an image of a black man in America in the 60s holding a sign saying I Am A Man. Funnily enough 60years later not much has changed, the same disrespect just packaged differently.
With taking the images for this project, my interpretation on FAFs idea was to uplift our brothers and sisters that are killing it at their trades but also hopefully inspire and give guidance to the youth (not limited to), that might be undecided what path to take next.
It is so important that we are represented and highlighted in our contributions. We have to make our own narratives or leave our history to be mistold or simply forgotten.
You can see parts of the project on Instagram.
Has the lockdown affected you in any way or has the unexpected solitude allowed your creativity to flow?
Up until recently my focus has been scattered, life… is all I’ll say. But rest assured I’m getting my priorities straight, which is both scary and exciting. I haven’t been in “lock down” as I’m a “key worker”. I’ve managed to secure myself a week or two to breathe. I’m planning on using that time to get ahead, absorb as much knowledge as possible and put all of that into practice. So yeah I’ve got to make it work.
Will what’s gone on change or influence your work in future?
In a way, yes my business is me, so my morals and ethics will be reflected in my business. This experience is just another clause I have to be mindful of when running my business. Remember everything happens for a reason and it’s what you take away from this that serves as a lesson.
Will it make you look at life differently, if yes/no why?
No, I mean, the point I’m at with my life right now, is very pivotal. I’m always seeking new information. This pandemic hasn’t shown me anything I don’t already know. It’s just allowing me more time to do what I need to do.
What can we expect to see from you when the lockdown’s over?
You’ll have to wait and see.
What are you looking forward to the most?
In life? Besides, levelling up, flourishing and growth. There’s a few milestones on my journey I’ll be ticking off that are pretty darn exciting. Which I’m sure y’all will hear about when the times right. I’ll share one with you though. Having my own studio. It won’t just be a regular studio, it will host both analogue and digital photography equipment and a place to hold gatherings.
If you had to be locked down with another Artist with the view of writing in collaboration, who would it be and why? #LockdownWriteDown
Photography is a lone wolf profession which suits me perfectly, but I’m also lucky in the fact that I can pair with literally any other sector. No one person comes to mind, but a working within the realms of fashion or music always lights me up.
Is there any particular music or artist that you’re listening to as a way of lifting your spirits/inspiring you during these uncertain times #LockdownGetDown
Arrrgh music is fuel for my soul!!! So every day without fail I have music. It calms the storm in me, if I have pent up energy that’s a bit fiery, I can bring myself back down. If I’m feeling sad, have lack of inspiration, happy, want to dance, whatever mood I’m in I always have time for music. My music taste is mad versatile. Dancehall, Grime, Reggae, Garage, Drill, Indie, Hip Hop, Drum and Bass, RnB, Rap, Trap, Indie Rock, spoken poetry you get the gist. Brent Fayiaz is heavily in my rotation at the moment, the man has a voice of an angel.
Do you find yourself eating different food during the lockdown, have you a favourite go to comfort food? #QuarantineCuisine
I’ve yet to go food shopping and return with all the items I wanted. I see panic brings out the worst in people.
