We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Montez Kerr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Montez, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I started a project about 3 years ago that highlighted the beauty and art of sloop sailing in The Bahamas. It was truly a passion project. Growing up surrounded by the sea and having the opportunity to attend the regattas I was amazed by the skill and love these sailors have for their craft. Sloop sailing in The Bahamas has a rich history. It roots are tied to the fabric of The Bahamian people and was birthed from the necessity of moving people and cargo between the many islands before the advent of the engine powered boat. Skilled boat builders crafted sailboats from the local forest . This skill was then passed down over the generations and is now showcased in the many regattas held through out the Bahamas. This photographic project attempted to capture the beauty and the skill of the sailors and the their vessels.

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

Simply put I am guy who likes to tell stories with a camera. As the saying goes a picture is worth a thousand words. Every image has a story and as a visual story teller I have the power to frame that story. My father introduced me to the art of photography. It was a way of spending time and connecting with him when I was a child. My love for the artform however really blossomed as an adult. I felt empowered to tell my own stories and paint my own pictures. I was naturally drawn to the sea because its raw beauty and power. As time passed I began to explore other types of subject matter in an attempt to grow and learn. Saying what I am most proud of is synonymous with asking which of my children do I love the most. With every image I have taken I have learned something new that can be used to improve my craft. I think that is the most important thing.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is sharing my work. It gives me infinite pleasure to have the opportunity to engage people from around the world with my interpretation of the world. Hopefully those people will be inspired or at least moved in a positive way.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Life cannot only be measured by your successes. I think this is the most impactful lesson that I have had to unlearn. In fact success can only be had through the lessons of failure Philosophically its easy to say, but while experiencing the sting of failure this life lesson can be hard to swallow. I think this “unlearned” lesson can only come about after a level of maturity. It is difficult to isolate one specific event. It’s really a culmination of years of experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mlkkerr.com / www.montezkerr.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montezkerr/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008898191015