Inspiration of the week: Photographer Carmen Gonzalez (aka: Soleá)
This week, I got to interview the incomparable Carmen Gonzalez, aka Soleá about her photography. With a vast portfolio, ranging from self-portraiture to scenery, she is a master at capturing complex emotions with her camera. Whether it’s surreal manipulations or straight forward portraits, her photographs are always beautiful and thought-provoking. It was a real treat to hear her speak about her prolific body of work. Read on…
What inspired you to start photography and how did you learn it?
Since i can remember I was always busy creating. I loved drawing and painting. I discovered photography quite late though. I mean, I was always intrigued by the fact that you could freeze a moment in time, but I started to develop a passion only a few years ago. At first I was not really serious but after a while when I discovered that I actually became quite good in creating the image I had in my mind with photography and photoshop. I decided to go to college to become a professional photographer.
How would you describe your style of photography?
It made up this term ‘exhibitionistic existentialism’ to describe my work because I use myself as a model mostly. At first, I thought it was because I loved making beautiful at works with myself as a model. I wanted to leave some sort of proof that I was alive or that I had lived on this planet. Right now, I think my work has developed into more than that. I use more other models and I am constantly exploring different fields of photography. I love documentary photography, for example, and I also am very much into the surrealistic trend that is going on now. Two totally different styles and very paradoxal. But I am a very versatile person and also a paradox, so why not flirt with different styles? I have bought a twin reflex camera (TLR) last week, so I am going to experiment with film also. I want to turn one room in my house into a dark room. I can’t wait to get started on that.
I will never stop using myself as a model though. It is such an interesting way to discover yourself. Also really strange to see yourself grow older through the years.
How/Where do you find inspiration for your photos?
I might sound very dull, but i get inspiration out of life, death, joy, happiness, literature, music and also from a lot of other very talented artists (photographers, digital artists, fine artists etc)
What led you to posting your photos on flickr?
I guess it is a necessity nowadays that an artist profiles him or heself as much as possible on the internet and especially in the communities. This is where you get noticed. We live in the computer science era so we might as well use it in our own benefit.
How has Flickr influenced your photography?
It has influenced me a lot. The quality of photography on Flickr and other photography communities like f.i. Deviant Art is sometimes overwhelming. It pushes me to learn and to get better. Sometimes I am working on something and then I reach the point of my ability which really upsets and frustrates me. Then I study and practice to learn how to do it. I won’t rest until I succeed. I know it sounds obsessive, but I need to become my personal best.
Has your success as a photographer on flickr begun to translate into real world success?
Flickr has opened a lot of doors for me. I have been featured in newspapers and magazines and TV even did an item about me. After that, my first exhibition followed and I met the right people who gave me a chance to lift onto their success. I am really thankful for that and it is also necessary to have the right people in your network to be able to set foot in the real world. Cyberlebrity is fun and flattering for sure, but nothing beats the real world. My next exhibition will be in Antwerp in “Galerie Van Campen & Rochtus”, September 2009. I am very excited about that as it is the first time that my work is hanging in a gallery abroad.
What tools do you use to capture your images?
I use my cameras Canon EOS 350D and my Canon powershot G6. I also have a holga and a diana toy camera and i have bought a Yashica Mat 124 g. For the post production of my digital work i use Photoshop and a Wacom Graphire tablet.
Where do you hope to go next with your photography?
I hope to get more publications and exhibitions to be able to share my work with the world. I also hope in the near future to be able to work with artists I admire a lot.
Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers?
Be inspired, never stop learning.
To learn more about Carmen Gonzalez, please visit her website or her flickr page!