Interview with Darcie Goldberg
Darcie Goldberg | United States
As I travel and document our world, I try to make my photographs record its essence for those who were not able to make the journey. Over the years, I have stayed true to my love of b&w photography. My travels have taken me to various locations throughout the world. I often sit with camera in hand and watch the lighting and world change while I photograph. I am a devotee of the use of available light and am especially interested in the contrast light and dark.
Just a glance, sometimes that is all I get of a subject. The glance is directed at the camera or away from the camera and I am left to wonder. I am inspired by the glance and hope to capture the intimacy of the moment and not lose it but keep it in memory.
In my years of photography, much as changed. Not just the technology, the world is constantly changing and evolving. My goal is to create photographs that draw the viewer into the subject and preserve a moment in time.
Washington, D.C. Snake
Contemporary Art Station: Tell us about how you got started. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I always knew I would be in the arts somehow or someway. During my early 20's, due to many financial considerations and different career paths, I found my way to the field of photography. I have never stopped or looked back since I discovered an outlet and passion for my creativity. Over the years with more education and experimentation, I continue to challenge my work and limits to stay current and passionate about my art.
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 keep journals filled with my thoughts and ideas, as well as quotes and photographs from travels and photographs others have shared. I attend exhibitions of all mediums, read books and watch films. I jury for an environmental film festival and try to draw awareness from the films into my ongoing projects. I take a lot of random and select photographs. This helps me prepare.
I often step outside my thought process and run or do a physical activity to clear my thoughts and wait for a "eureka" moment when the creative process manifests. I work long and late hours in my studio to experiment and create a volume of work. I work on long-term projects to expand my vision and motivate my desire and passion to create art.
I often develop an idea for a project before I find the venue. If the idea stays in my mind and continues to haunt me, it's worth keeping. I have found venues and created projects around the opportunities that arise. It has worked both ways.
CAS: What do you love most about your creative process?
The "eureka" moments after days, months and years of waiting but I also love the planning and learning during the journey. That is where the growth as an artist and individual happens. I don't want to look back at the end of my days and say "I should have done this or this"...... I have learned to trust my instincts and take risks. Risks help you grow as an artist.
Baracoa Taxi Ride
CAS: What role does art and the artist play in the broader social conversation today?
All artists are communicators. Art represents our past, present and future. Most things in life evolve around art in one way or another. The artist provides color, texture, design, and emotions to life. The artwork we leave behind tells our stories. Art is energy and belief in the power of imagination. Art feels like it reflects the very core of humanity.
CAS: Name a few of your favourite artists and influences.
No special order -
*Vivian Maier, her street photography and eye for composition is excellent. She found her voice through her photographs with an inventory of 150,000 film negatives!
*Henri Cartier-Bresson, he was a master of candid street photography, and an early user of 35 mm film. His decisive moment is what I often look for while photographing. "This moment occurs when the visual and psychological elements of people in a real life scene spontaneously and briefly come together in perfect resonance to express the essence of that situation". Wikipedia
*Dorthea Lang- I admire her strong documentary photographs and how they humanized the consequences of life during trying times.
*Robert Capa - he is considered by many to be the greatest combat and adventure photographer in history. A true risk taker to record history.
*Irving Penn - I am especially drawn to his portraits. His platinum printing shows remarkable rich tonal ranges and textures. Love his Berber portraits from Morroco.
CAS: What is the best advice you received as an artist?
Persistence......the need to continue creating in spite of difficulty, opposition, stamina, and obstacles. If you are dedicated and patient, the passion and rewards will follow.
To be an artist is one of the most difficult professions in the world; it also is one of the most rewarding professions in the world.
Baracoa Side Glance
CAS: When did you discover your voice as an artist?
I believe I discovered my voice in the arts during my 20's but the level of the voice was a whisper. As I grew older with years and experience, my voice grew louder. I'm ready to roar.........
CAS: What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their own?
One has to take risks and put yourself out for the world to judge and accept. Not easy to do.
Plan out a long term project and start now! This will help ground you and allow you to grow as an artist. If you are traveling for inspiration and motive, go to the same area/place/country at least three times over a period of five years. You can document and experience changes. Don't be a tourist, become a traveler.
Thank you Darcie!
