Antwan Thompson | United States
I was born hard of hearing and that defines me in any shape or form because it's my identity. These men are also deaf and yet we are perfectly fine. my creativity doesn't limit me nor the models aren't concerned about their bodies which mean we are able to "fit" in the mold.
Milk
Contemporary Art Station: Tell us about how you got started. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I didn't know at the time when I was born; I was meant to be an artist. I always have a camera in my hand; taking pictures of events such as school trips, birthdays etc. It was an innocent plaything for me to do as it was a hobby. I didn't know it was a possibly to transfer from hobby to a job. As I grew up and began to see the world in differently and creativity way. I began to ask myself " am I an artist"? I have to answer truthfully within myself and say "YES". And then I went to college and graduated as a photographer.
CAS: What is your process like, from initial idea to the creation of the piece? Do you usually develop the idea for a project before you find the "canvas", or vice versa?
I can't pinpoints my creative process.. sometimes it can be from reading from magazines/book and I get inspired. I wanted to make a parody version of it. I can be inspired by movies or life event as I want to make a movie from it.
Or I want to learns and grow to be better photographer so I need to practice and hone my skills and tame my creativity voice in order to make sense of it to the world.
CAS: What do you love most about your creative process?
What do I love about my process is how creativity I can be.. I look forward to see the final result fo my works. That is when I knows if it's good or bad. It's my voice.
The Mermaid
CAS: Name a few of your favourite artists and influences.
Annie Leibovitz, Terry Richardson, David LaChapelle and Robert Mapplethrope.
CAS: What is the best advice you received as an artist?
I stopped seeking approval from others nor I wanted it in the first place.
If your actions do not prove the truth of your words then your words are nothing more than lies.
My college professors show their true colors and didn't believes in me and my ability to be an artist.
CAS: When did you discover your voice as an artist?
I guess I always have a voice all along; I just didn't know how to use it.
I went to high school and one of my photographer teacher named Mr. Creek submitted my work into a competition and I won first place. From there I knew I was destined to be an artist because of my teacher, Mr. Creek believed in me.
CAS: What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their own?
do what you love
Night View
