We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darkroom Zaddy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darkroom below.

Darkroom, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Since I was five years old, I have lived on the same block in the Bronx, where I was raised. Growing up was difficult because I was raised in an immigrant home with only one parent, so I witnessed my mother’s financial struggles. My greatest source of motivation in life is her. She encouraged me to complete high school and somehow made it happen. In addition to looking after my two younger sisters, my mom would always make an effort to make sure I was doing the right thing, even when I was struggling. I joined the photo club in high school, and since the school possessed a functional darkroom, Ms. Joanna Wegielnik taught me everything there was to know about film. In addition, she taught history at the school, but oddly, I never had a class with her. In addition, she urged me to complete high school and enroll in college. I was unsure about my career path after high school, and it was a frightening period because I couldn’t find employment anywhere due to my status. You don’t give such things much thought when you’re young, but as you age, it becomes more difficult. The introduction of DACA in 2013 allowed me to work and offered me the opportunity to receive a scholarship. So, in 2013, I started college and went to Laguardia Community College for Commercial Photography. My time there was marvelous, and I wish I could do it again. They treated me like family, and it was one of the best experiences. I was also hired as a college assistant in the photo lab for a short time. My first solo exhibition on campus was made possible by a professor/senior tech named Javier Larenas, and I was the first woman on campus to have a solo exhibition. I was able to take a study away trip to Alaska, where I got to camp out for almost a month and learn about the culture of the Gwich’in people. I continued at City College to get my Bachelor’s in Studio Art with a concentration in Photography when I graduated from Laguardia Community College, but it was cut short since my scholarship ended, and I was unable to pay for my own tuition. I took a break after that and stopped taking photos and working on any artistic endeavors. I began doing new art in 2023 when a friend from my youth urged me to participate in a collective exhibition. Since then, navigating the various life upheavals that have been thrown at me has made it challenging to produce new art. My life has always been about taking a risk, whether I like it or not, but I wouldn’t have it any other way since I wouldn’t have had the experiences and connections I have now, and I’m very grateful to be able to share my work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a photographer who has been working in this field for over 14 years. My work consists primarily of black and white film photography, but I also enjoy studio photography on occasion. I am inspired by Photographer Joel Peter Witkin’s work, which comprises eerie images of grotesque scenes. My passion for the esoteric and carnal began at a young age, and while my images do not compare to Witkin’s, I have always appreciated their beauty. This has inspired me to create haunting visuals that invite people to confront the odd beauty of the unknown. My work reveals the mysteries of darkness and enables the audience to uncover fascinating and captivating stories. Every work I create tells a story, but I leave it up to the spectator to interpret it anyway they see fit. Showing my work is always my happiest moment because I enjoy knowing that there are folks out there who admire what I do.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s always satisfying for an artist to hear that their work is valued. My art may resonate with some people and not with others, and that’s perfectly acceptable. My work is intended for a particular audience interested in unusual subjects, thus, not everyone will enjoy it. However, I appreciate criticism since it helps make my work better. Although intended for a specific audience, I’m always open to criticism because it helps improve my work. It’s crucial to remember that criticism of your work should never be taken personally.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal in my work is simply to create. My creative process is more complicated than it seems. I enjoy taking my time to bring my ideas to life; I like to think through the visuals I make, but I also value the time it takes. I have to remind myself that I am only human and can only do so much at once.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: darkroomzaddy