What pieces or projects have you been working on lately?
I tend to just photograph my life, and wherever it takes me. I grew up being the new kid, so it is the way I try to see the world: as if it is all new. Most recently, I went on a rather spontaneous survival trip through the Mongolian mountains. Inspiration is easy to find in a place like that. Right now, I am revisiting places I have lived before in Australia and taking photos along the way (this is more of a challenge).
What did you learn (or unlearn) while working on them?
I love the unknown of shooting on film. Honestly, I have no clue what I am doing. My light meter broke in remote Mongolia, so I had to guess my way through all the exposures. It made my favourite photos even more special, knowing I managed to capture those moments by sheer luck. I think you can see it in the pictures; they look like memories to me.
What words, ideas or emotions were going through your head?
I think, with all my pictures, there is this idea of home. It does not matter where I am. Sometimes it is the people, the sounds, the light. Something makes me feel part of the world, despite being the new kid.
Were there any conversations, movies, music, or books that made their way into that work?
When my friend Fleur and I were in Mongolia, we were both running towards adventure. We wanted something raw and unknown, and we drew inspiration from those before us, like Thoreau and Kerouac. Of course, it wasn’t all serious. We watched Into the Wild and Spirit. The soundtrack to the trek became endless replays of Drifter's Wife by JJ Cale and anything by Fleetwood Mac.
What's been the most difficult thing you've faced recently in your creative process?
I’m not sure I have a creative process. The hardest part of Mongolia was not finding water for the first three days. The hardest part of life right now is not needing to look for water.
If your life were a movie this month, what would it be called and who would write the soundtrack?
The title would be On the Road. We’ll bring back Galaxie 500 to make the soundtrack.
Recommend one or more artists you follow who inspire you, and tell us what you like most about their work or their way of working.
My dear friend April. We used to spend hours drawing together in complete silence; I love the worlds she gets to create now for kids just like us.
Fleur Harmsen, a crazily talented videographer and photographer who loves a spontaneous change of plans as much as I do. There is power in not letting fear get in the way of wonder when facing the unknown.
Tanya, creative in ways I can only dream of.
Wade Carroll, my favourite surf filmmaker and photographer, who perfectly captures the sport and the degenerate life around it.
