I have a lot of talented friends that inspire me in every way, some of them already graduated and are working in their fields, others have moved away to pursue their dreams, or they are still here finishing with their degrees and making work.
I decided that I would be doing a very informal interview and ask them to share their story with me so I could share it with you and show you how talented they are. So if you appreciate good art and want to read about the during and after of college for us creative people I am going to be updating this blog with amazing and talented artists and designers so they can give us a little insight and maybe advice that we can all benefit from.
My first featured artist is my very talented friend Krystal Perez. I met her during my first thesis class a year ago, where she was finishing her own thesis. When I saw Krystal's photographs, I was mesmerized. I had so many questions on how she managed to capture such beautiful images that I now want to share with you.
When did you decide to be a photographer?
I have always been interested in photography since I can remember. When I was little, I would run around with a film camera and take pictures of everything. I had a whole box of point
shoot cameras! Fast forward to college, I was originally a history major and it wasn’t until the second half of my freshman year that I wanted to make a career with photography, and I’m
so glad I did.
What type of photography do you do and where do you find the inspiration for your work?
I mostly do landscape photography. I have always been obsessed with trees and anything green. As for inspiration, I find that through my friends. Seeing them succeed and make beautiful pieces of art not only makes me excited for them but also pushes me to do the same.
What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photographing what you do?
I think the most challenging thing is getting the mirrors to cooperate with the concept I am trying to get across. Just this past year, I have broken many mirrors and torn up my hands with cuts. I probably have earned bad luck for the next 50 years with this project!
Can you tell us a little bit about your process?
I really do a lot of thinking with what I want the outcome of the photograph to look like. I try to think of different ways I can transform the landscape with the use of mirrors. I think, “How can I create different images while using the same object?” “Do I want to build something geometrical or go for something more intricate and flat.” A lot of my process also comes from trial and error. It’s not until I get to the site where I can really play around and create something amazing.
You were born in Texas and you just moved to California. Where do you see your work going, now that you live in a different state?
I made this big move because I wanted to start all over. I’m excited to be ‘the new girl’, and prove to myself that I can do this. Of course, I hope that my projects and myself as an artist will evolve even more and that I will become a well-known LA artist.
What differences have you seen between Texas and California in the art scene?
The main difference is that there are more ways you can get involved with the art community. If one gallery isn’t exactly your cup of tea, there are plenty more to choose from. Just this past weekend there were 40 different openings!
What are you working on right now?
I am still continuing the project I did for my thesis in senior year of college. When you look at a photograph, or a mirror, what you see is thought to be real. Their purpose is to present or reflect a true image. However, when the two are combined, a disruption occurs and that process gives me the control to challenge the ability to faithfully represent reality. I am interested in this disruption because I want to challenge the typical view of landscapes and the cameras expected role of representing them. I have been very pleased with the outcome and love seeing how the project has grown. I can’t wait to see what the next year brings.
If you want to check out more of her amazing work you can go to her website here.
I forgot to mention that she has also worked with video and they are so mesmerizing. I'll leave my favorite here for you guys to watch.