ARTIST Q&A

Born: Bronx, New York.

Currently lives: Boston, MA

Title of artwork: “Bovine of the Desert”

What’s it about? I shot this photo earlier in the year on road trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite. One of our stops was in Death Valley, so naturally I had to look up all roadside attractions within 50 miles. My favorite thing about seeking out attractions like this is the feeling that time has stood still. In an age where everything is instant, and also instantly commodified, it’s comforting to me to see funky, weird, old things stand the test of time. This giant cow ended up being next to a roadside casino that quickly became our saving grace and almost only source of food after long days exploring Death Valley. The cow became a beacon of civilization for us that we could see from miles away. It’s a perfect slice of Americana that brings me back to those beautiful, hot, and eerie few days in the desert.

Where else can we find your work? Instagram and my website mostly! I also make photo-jewelry out of my images and have had the lovely opportunity to vend at the Brighton Bazaar a few times.

Where is your favorite public art piece in the area? The city feed mural in Jamaica Plain by Kristine Cortese. I love the giant tomatoes! 

Who is your favorite Boston-area artist to follow? The Glitter Boys

What’s your favorite way to spend a day off? Strolling around Franklin Park with an iced coffee and a book.

What was your top song for 2022? Woo!- Remi Wolf

Favorite food spot in in Allston, Brighton or the surrounding area? Brighton Bodega!

What have you learned about your creative practice in recent years? That it is frankly a lot of time spent on the computer! The dreamer in me always felt one’s creative process should be pouring yourself a cup of coffee on a sunny day, having beautiful little bits of paper scattered around you, and doodling and daydreaming and journaling. While this is my process some of the time, more often it is going down deep internet rabbit holes and scouting places to potentially build a shoot around. I also have a running list on my phone of any idea that pops into my head, so I can go back to it (usually on a Sunday night) and flesh it out or search for more inspo. While it’s not as picturesque as the scenario above, it aligns with that part of me that loved spending hours on Tumblr in high school.

What is a piece of advice you would give to your past self as a young artist? Learn how to be a director sooner rather than later! As a young photographer, my work was very observational and focused on capturing candid moments in the world around me. When I started to branch out and really create my photographs, I had to learn how to engage with people and provide direction, which was awkward and uncomfortable at first. At the very least, a photographer is the subject’s hype man, so come to every shoot with enough energy to excite your subject and get them feeling comfortable.

What is your dream project to work on? Shooting an album cover for my favorite band Vulfpeck.