When did you start taking photos?
I got my first camera when I was fifteen as a birthday present. I never asked for one or particularly wanted one, but I guess my mom knew. I started taking it to the skatepark with me and it evolved from there.
What drew you to photography over other artistic media?
I think at first I was drawn to the camera’s ability to preserve little slices of the world. I liked the feeling of being able to stop time with my camera.
Do you prefer digital or film photography? Why?
I am completely in love with the process of film. I like dealing with actual physical objects, rather than digital files that you can’t touch or feel. And even though I understand the science behind film, every time I unravel my negatives and see images imbedded in the film, it feels like magic. It’s more time consuming, but to me it’s worth it.
How do you feel about Instagram?
I think that it’s a really cool idea. Photographs are a universal language, so it’s great that people communicate that way through their phones.
How much time do you spend taking photos per week on average?
Less than I should! This quarter I’m learning the challenges of having a full time job, and trying to squeeze artwork and the rest of my life into that schedule. It’s not easy, but it’s good practice for life outside of college.
What influences your photography?
Lately literature has been a big influence. I found that most writers like photographers, pay attention to details.
How do you feel about the art community at Evergreen?
Evergreen has a lot of really great artists. Every time I go to a student show on or off campus I learn something new. Like, I just found out last spring that we have a place to blacksmith here! And students do it!
Where do you see your art going?
It’s not like I’m really pushing any boundaries in the photography world, I’m kind of traditional in a way. So probably nothing huge. I will always be photographing though. It’s how I get the things inside, out.
By Kelli Tokos
