Bottle Bell Photography Interview
Ashley is one of the most amazing photographers I have ever had the pleasure to know. I adore her work. She brings fairytale and beauty to the eyes and inspires my work in so many ways.
Interview:
1. Typical question you probably get asked all the time. When did you start getting into photography?
A: In 2007 I took a much needed (several month) break from running a non-profit organization, and headed back out to my childhood home. I found an old camera there, and became inspired by the beautiful season I found myself inside of. One thing led to another, as I detoxed from overstress from the non-profit job, and I found myself taking long walks outside (grabbing the camera as I went). As the shutter snapped, each time I wandered, and with each upload to my computer upon returning to the house, I realized I was absolutely passionate about Photography. The rest is history. I nurtured the desire, and am now a Full time artist just a few years later. I had to get really lost to find my calling, I guess. :-)
2. How would you describe yourself as a person in 4 words.A: Hrrrmmm....that's so tough!
Probably:*passionate*driven*gypsy (or hippie of sorts)*compassionate
3. Your pictures have such a dreamy but dark feel to them.(Which I LOVE) What inspires you to take pictures this way?
A: I find that Photography (as well as all art in general) is really just a reflection coming from within the artist, and a very honest statement of who they are. I'm often told my work is very dreamy, and graceful, with continuous elements of sadness, or bittersweet moments of nostalgia. These, I would say, are all just reflections of my life experience that I choose to share that seem to come out in this style and in this way. And the vintage feel I think is very representative of perhaps my own yearning to go back to youthful moments in childhood or beautiful points in time. I try to always balance in my work the good with the bad, since I think with most things in life, there is always two sides to look at things...
4. If you could travel anywhere with your camera in hand where would you go.?
A:I can't name just want, but I can name 3 that I can't decide upon...*Italy*Ireland*Iceland(hey, at least I kept them all starting with: "I")
5. The person who inspires me the most is my best mate Martin, who would you say in your life inspired you the most?
A: I'm not sure I am inspired as much by one person as much as I am by one 'kind' of person, and those people come from all walks of life, but have a few very important things in common: PASSION, DRIVE, DREAMS. I am transfixed by those who live with passion, and purpose, are dreamers, and no matter how hard it may be, do only what they love. Those people drive me to continue creating and endeavoring down my own path of expression, and keep me very inspired. One time, I was just in a liquor store late one night, and met the owner, and we had a chat about wine. He was so passionate about his job, and so knowledgeable about his store and what he did that I became inspired, and could have just listened for hours and hours...I like those kinds of people the most.
6. Do you have a favourite photographer?
A: I have several photographers that have helped me along the way and have opened my eyes to create more atmospherically, but I actually draw most of my inspiration from two very influential (and famous) Painters: *John William Waterhouse - (his work floors me)&*Maxfield Parrish - (his dreamy vintage color pieces are always jaw dropping)I wish I could have met them both, so much, and picked their brains for a nice long while. ;)
7. What songs, movies, places or people pop shoot ideas into your head?
A: Favorite Movies: *Closer (great storytelling)*Dangerous Beauty (amazing love story, and beautiful costumes!)*The New World (cinematography is second to none)Favorite Song....HrmmmmI love all music, but favorites are folk, acoustic guitar, and solo piano. :)Favorite Place: Italy
8. Do you live life for now or do you plan ahead?
A: I am one of the most impulsive, spontaneous people you will ever meet.I've always lived my life very much 'fly by the seat of my pants', which I think has always been why I have no problem with traveling with no plan, going through stints of no money, and calling wherever I find myself home, falling into love easily, etc etc.These, I think, also, are why I find so much pleasure in creating art. I can work for myself, set my own hours, and just spend my days dreaming concepts into reality...However, now that I'm 26, and have matured throughout my 20s, I find that I'm beginning to plan ahead, and be a lot more disciplined (specifically in professional arenas) so that I will be able to make my biggest dreams come true one day (I hope soon ;) of having my own house on a GIANT plot of land, and really reap the greatest benefits putting in the hard work I am right now.
9. If you had a question for the next feature interviewee what would it be?.
A: "What has been your biggest point of pride, thus far, throughout your career endeavors?" (i.e. show, award, realization, photoshoot, etc...)
