ArtIsUnity Interviews : Liz Menzie – Photographer
Liz Menzie
Liz Menzie
Liz Menzie
I chose photography as my art form because it was the one I felt the most connected to. The act of taking a photo brings me back to being young, in Jamaica with my mom and family members. My mom would bring so many disposable cameras and we would take photos everywhere. Now, one of my favorite things to do with her is to look through those photos and relive those memories. With my art, I am hoping to recreate that experience but for the people yet to enter this world. I like to think I’m creating a visual archive of people in this time.
I actually love that the iPhone is powerful enough to take quality images and videos, especially because pursuing photography can be very expensive. I will say that I struggle a bit with Instagram and actually decreased my engagement on the app. As a photographer, I want to ensure that I am always shooting for the right reasons and shooting images that I will always care for. I think being on Instagram and having that desire for likes can send you down a path where you are solely posting just to post in hopes that you beat an unknown algorithm. I don’t want to get lost in that. As for the future of Instagram, I hope I’m wrong but, I don’t think it will be a place for photographers in the near future.
Do you think of yourself as an artist?
I do and it has not been long since I’ve considered myself one. It wasn’t until my first showing in November 2019 that I felt comfortable using the words artist and photographer. It was as if I needed permission. It’s interesting though because for me, showings do not define me and doesn’t dictate the art I make so it was kind of silly to wait until then to consider myself an artist.
Is creation planned, detailed, spontaneous, improvisational, reactive, proactive?
The creation of my images tends to be reactive. It is me reacting to what and who the universe presents to me in that very moment. I will say though, I’ve seen my art improve when I spent time thinking about the images I wanted to come home with. Doing so allowed me to waste less time capturing images I will not use and instead spending that time on ensuring I am in the right place to get the best shots.
Is there an artist or artists that have made a lasting impression on you?
For a long time, I did not have a favorite photographer who inspired me and my work until I stumbled upon the work of the late Gordon Parks. I love how he captured the story of Black children, men, and women during his time. What I appreciate the most about his images is that they appear effortless which I seek to emulate in my work. I am really impressed by art that says a lot without doing too much.
What did you study in school? Do you feel you have any advantages or disadvantages of not studying art in college? Is it relevant to your life today as a photographer? If so, how?
I studied Political Science and I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world. Being a Caribbean American woman, it was important for me to understand how certain legislations impact my Black people. Now, with my images I do find that I lean towards telling the stories of Black people and other minorities.
Though I am still happy with my major, 7 years later, I do wish I took visual art classes because being a self-taught photographer is not easy. There is so much I don’t know. For instance, I wouldn’t edit my images for a very long time because I did not know how to use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. During lockdown, I decided to purchase and start using both; tools that a trained photographer would’ve used during their first year at school. Another disadvantage to not studying art in college is not having a network of artists. I would argue that lacking that network is more difficult to manage than not having the technical skills necessary to be a good photographer.
Are there art movements, styles, and periods that you’re drawn?
This could be a result of me not studying art but no, I am not drawn to any movements or periods in history. I am drawn to the style of documentary photography where a story is being told about a subject we may not see highlighted in Western media. I believe this is why I travel so much! There are so many different people walking this planet, but we wouldn’t know it just by scrolling through our IG feeds and Netflix Top 10s. It’s important for me to share the experiences I’ve had when traveling so that others may know what other worlds exist outside of our little bubble.
What role does money/income play in your creation of art? Is your basic living income derived from your art?
I currently work as a Project Manager in the Finance industry. I will say it is a true luxury that I get to pursue my art the way I do, and I am grateful for it. Having a career outside of photography allows me to afford my livelihood, stripping away any pressure to create and monetize my art. That separation allows me to use my art as a form of escapism and a way to keep in touch with reality.
Though I have sold some prints, I currently do not use my art as a means of earning income. I am considering monetizing my art so it will be interesting to see how that plays a part in my creative process. It is something that I am afraid of as I never want the desire or need to earn money to dictate what images I capture.
Do you apply for grants, fellowships? Do you apply for gallery shows and other exhibits? If so, what is the process like for you?
Yes! Anything that is free, and I feel is applicable to my art, I will apply to it. There are a few sites that I will sift through every now and then to see what opportunities are available. For someone like myself who wants to meet other creatives and share work beyond the scope of Instagram, I think fellowships and exhibits/showings are great opportunities.
What work or interests occupy you in addition to art?
Outside of photography and work, I enjoy yoga and reading. I’m currently learning Spanish and how to dance Salsa.
Many thanks to Liz Menzie; view her work here and see her in our ArtIsUnity Gallery