1.What sparked your interested in photography, and when did you know you would pursue being an artist?
To be honest, I have always had a crush on visual arts, and photography came as the greatest way for me to express and to discover the world. I am so glad it showed up in my life in my youth years (when I was 13, 6 years ago), it has influenced my view upon life in the most beautiful manners. I knew right then that I would do this for my whole life, it was my call, my otherworldly message.
2. What other artists and art forms have influenced you and your work?
I have always been inspired by Zhang Jingna, whose portraiture is strongly emotional portraiture, Martin Stranka, for his surreal works, and Steve McCurry, for his storytelling photojournalism. I could write many others as well, but these are three amazing artists whom I discovered ever since I started taking photos. Inspiration comes spontaneously to me, like a flash of light. Music and painting play a good role, too.
3. Can you describe your current artistic process, habits, techniques you have formed?
I work on the manual mode with my camera, always trying to get the best settings possible. I only use natural light and when I post-process my photos, I use Photoshop CS3 – I have also installed the newer ones, but I am so fond of the older version that I hardly use the new one. There is a lot of blue and a lot of red in my works. I adore B&W, but it is not meant for every photo. I don’t quite think of techniques and styles, I just do. Still do what I love the most, because I want to keep the passion alive, forever.
4. Is storytelling important in your photography?
I find it one of the most important aspects of an artwork, in general, so yes, it definitely concerns my little works, too. If there is no story, there is no emotion involved, and if there is no emotion, there is no art.
5. What are some of your favorite books, poems, authors?
Some of my favorite books would be “The curious incident of the dog in the night-time”, “In the sea there are crocodiles”, “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”, “Perfume”, “Firmin”, these are the first ones that came to my mind. I particularly enjoy (from what I have read so far) the poetry of Romanian authors such as Marin Sorescu, Nichita Stănescu, Ion Minulescu.
6. Can you put into words the way you have evolved over time as a photographer?
That would turn out as a mess normally, because I am shy when it comes to my “evolution”, but I can tell that there are times when I feel it, I feel like I’ve grown up as a human being thanks to photography. And I also remember all the people who have mentioned this to me, that they see improvement in my works. And it amazes me. And then I get the beautiful, comforting feeling of equilibrium again. Like I’m where I should be.
7. Where do you turn for motivation and new sources of inspiration?
Motivation is what I get each morning when I wake up. I love and I am loved and this gives me the strength to create. And as long as the butterflies’ wings keep beating in my stomach, the sun is round in the sky, and the music plays, I will find my inspiration.
8. Discuss the role of community and gallery showings, etc to your growth as an artist.
I believe community has a huge role in the growth of an artist, I feel it on my own skin. As I grew up on deviantART, the place where I first exposed my works, I can now recognize the importance of being noticed somewhere, by a large group of people who are constantly following what you do, posting comments, sharing nice words to rise you up. This is the only way to survive as a creator. We have to dedicate time to stay social.
9. What do you think is more important for your craft: passion, dedication, or raw talent and can you elaborate on why?
Each of these have their contribution, of course. But I strongly consider that talent is the greatest factor. In order to be a photographer, first you need “the Eye”. An eye than sees behind reality, an eye for observing the beauty of life, with all its ups and downs. An eye that goes deeper and explores the soul.
10. What is a project you are currently working on, and a project you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
A project, hmm, I’ve never really had other project than continuing the creation process, but I’ve got to say I’m working on accomplishing some dreams of mine. I want to stay focused, to find time and inspiration, and eventually get to be part of something wonderful. Like National Geographic. Hehe. 🙂buy shoes | Nike Off-White