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Kristamas Klousch is a young artist with a distinct passion for photography! A sample of her portfolio has been already featured in EyeCandies and time has come to host an interview with the girl that captures the essence of dreaming through self-portraiture.
Welcome to EC Kristamas! When did your photographic explorations begin and what triggered your creativity?
I can't really pinpoint an exact time though my childhood was full of creative individuals and I had the opportunity for so many creative adventures. I can remember being a very imaginative child, I had a collection of dolls that I would create stories for, it's funny to remember. I recall cutting up old clothes and sewing outfits for them, I would also draw a lot--my stepmother is a painter, she was very influential in that respect. I have also spoken a few times about my father being a huge influence ... one of his hobbies was photography and I can remember sneaking into his room to look at photos he had taken, it fueled a lot of my curiosity for the camera. When he knew I showed interest he taught me how to develop film, and always gave me access to a camera. It wasn't until my late teen years that I started to experiment with self-portrait photography, using myself in the photo was more due to being a loner and I've always enjoyed working alone in that way.
Your self portraits are mostly dark, sensual, some times provocative – can you describe the feeling and procedure during the concept phase and the actual visual implementation?
A lot of people tell me my work is dark and I can't disagree but I don't believe it is something specifically that I work to create. I can't say for certain that I ever set out with an initial concept in my work---it just is something that happens. Perhaps it is simply part of my character coming through in the work that I do. I can be very self critical in respect to my work, which makes it difficult to explain how I go about creating. I can say most definitely though that it is not a magical process and I tend to avoid planning anything out. I do work best to be a bit scatterbrained and let it just happen, my thoughts are all over the place and if a good picture happens that I am satisfied with--I am a very happy person! I also like to abandon my work, even though it has become a large part of what makes up my life, I do need little vacations from it. That is what works for me.
A lot of people tell me my work is dark and I can't disagree but I don't believe it is something specifically that I work to create. I can't say for certain that I ever set out with an initial concept in my work---it just is something that happens. Perhaps it is simply part of my character coming through in the work that I do. I can be very self critical in respect to my work, which makes it difficult to explain how I go about creating. I can say most definitely though that it is not a magical process and I tend to avoid planning anything out. I do work best to be a bit scatterbrained and let it just happen, my thoughts are all over the place and if a good picture happens that I am satisfied with--I am a very happy person! I also like to abandon my work, even though it has become a large part of what makes up my life, I do need little vacations from it. That is what works for me.
What kind of emotions or thoughts you strive your viewers to experience through your photography?
I try not to over-think what other people will take from my work, though I suppose I would hope people see some hum our in what I do, maybe re-think the concept of 'identity' in general through creating 'different' identities and who we could be if we let our imaginations run wild, to embrace illusion and the caricature of self, finding humour in the darkest of fairytale is always important.
I try not to over-think what other people will take from my work, though I suppose I would hope people see some hum our in what I do, maybe re-think the concept of 'identity' in general through creating 'different' identities and who we could be if we let our imaginations run wild, to embrace illusion and the caricature of self, finding humour in the darkest of fairytale is always important.
Who is your favorite photographer and how does his/her work inspired you?
If I had to choose one artist that I find myself never tiring of it would be Francesca Woodman, her work not just for the obvious reasons is very inspiring to me, it appeals on an emotional level as well visual. I can appreciate her identity work, and resonate a lot with those concepts that she was creating at the time.
If I had to choose one artist that I find myself never tiring of it would be Francesca Woodman, her work not just for the obvious reasons is very inspiring to me, it appeals on an emotional level as well visual. I can appreciate her identity work, and resonate a lot with those concepts that she was creating at the time.
What was your most demanding, yet rewarding project until now?
I have never had any demanding situations because I don't take on work that I feel is going to be demanding of me, as for collaborations go. I turn down quite a lot of opportunities because I don't like taking on other peoples' time limits and commitments. I want to be free with what I do and have fun. So, all of the projects I have done and may do in the future will be rewarding!
I have never had any demanding situations because I don't take on work that I feel is going to be demanding of me, as for collaborations go. I turn down quite a lot of opportunities because I don't like taking on other peoples' time limits and commitments. I want to be free with what I do and have fun. So, all of the projects I have done and may do in the future will be rewarding!
What should a young photographer be aware of when starting his/her artistic explorations?
Be aware of personal desires and limitations; cultivate a willingness to experiment. To a certain degree it is hard to anticipate awareness, that’s why you are exploring - because you don’t know what you will find or discover on those journeys. If you're interested in photography learn all you can about the tools you are using, experiment and have fun! Also advice and critique from fellow artists is always helpful though try take it all with a grain of salt when advice is offered, stay on your own creative path.
Be aware of personal desires and limitations; cultivate a willingness to experiment. To a certain degree it is hard to anticipate awareness, that’s why you are exploring - because you don’t know what you will find or discover on those journeys. If you're interested in photography learn all you can about the tools you are using, experiment and have fun! Also advice and critique from fellow artists is always helpful though try take it all with a grain of salt when advice is offered, stay on your own creative path.
Which of your self portraits conveys your current mood?
You and the internet:
I did try to keep a Tumblr blog--but found it very distracting. I become easily distracted, I shy away from blogs and sites like that. I do have a Facebook, and I have been spending some time on Flickr lately.
I did try to keep a Tumblr blog--but found it very distracting. I become easily distracted, I shy away from blogs and sites like that. I do have a Facebook, and I have been spending some time on Flickr lately.
Where do you see yourself in 10 yrs from now? And last but not least … is there something we should look fwd to?
I am curious to know myself ... what will I be creating in ten years. I still see myself doing this and hopefully I will learn a lot more about photography.
I am curious to know myself ... what will I be creating in ten years. I still see myself doing this and hopefully I will learn a lot more about photography.
LINKS: […]
http://kristamas.net/portfolio.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristamasklousch/
http://www.facebook.com/KristamasKlousch
http://kristamas.net/portfolio.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristamasklousch/
http://www.facebook.com/KristamasKlousch
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1 Comment
8/18/2012 01:00:06 am
If you have an adventurous spirit, book an excursion that is packed with thrills. Soar across the land on a zip line, pedal your way along a mountain biking trail or take a truck over rough terrain that could not otherwise be reached by cars such as across small rivers or through muddy land. While exciting, these tours may not be suitable for all guests including small children or guests with medical conditions. Thanks a lot.
Regards,