Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chloe Richardson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chloe, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have ever worked on, by far, is my current photographic series “Ephemeral Equinoxes.” Its concept came about during Denver’s most brutal winter months in 2021. Still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, I began focusing my photography on my closest surroundings. As I walked around my neighborhood, I would search for the most seemingly-insignificant pockets of plant life and take close-ups that highlighted the complex forms and textures in these areas. Since most plant life was either dead or dormant during this time of year, my images eventually evolved into a series highlighting the sublime beauty that can be found in death and decay. I quickly realized that this way of photographing, for me, was much more fulfilling than attempting to capture the most expansive landscapes I could find, and I have continued this technique ever since. In spring of 2022, I was introduced to Augmented Reality technology for the first time, and immediately wanted to combine it with my images somehow. After months of developing ideas, I discovered that adding AR animations to my images breathes a new life into them, and allows the audience to take part in my work in a way that is uncommon to many other types of art. In “Ephemeral Equinoxes,” my upcoming exhibition at Regis University’s O’Sullivan Gallery, I will be displaying these interactive images with the goal to show my audience that there is always beauty to be found in the world that surrounds us, during any phase of life.

Chloe, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am primarily a photographer who specializes in nature photography. My work is heavily focused on form, line and texture, so all of my images are close-ups and most are black and white. Many of my images also focus on highlighting dead or dormant plant life, and serve as a “memento mori” of sorts. Recently I have dived headfirst into the world of Augmented Reality, and in my current series of photographs, each image contains an interactive AR animation. This element allows — and even encourages — audiences to participate in the work and become active viewers. The main goal of my work is to give my audience a new appreciation for the seasons of nature that often go overlooked by combining delicate photographs with groundbreaking AR technology.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think that many people who are non-creatives struggle deeply to understand the importance of art in society as a whole. Since the beginning of time, people from every society felt an intrinsic need to make art, and it has contributed immensely to our understanding of the history of virtually every culture. Yet, as a college student, I am often given disdainful warnings or unsolicited “advice” when I share my plans to become an artist. Although creating art is not the most conventional career in our society, that certainly does not make it any less important than “normal” jobs. It is simply nonsensical to look down on creatives for continuing the legacy of something that has brought humanity so much rich history and happiness throughout all of time.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the feeling that I can truly make a difference. My passion to save our environment has been part of me for as long as I can remember, and I strongly believe that art can contribute greatly to the fight to conserve our infinite ecosystems. If audiences can see the beauty in my photography, there is always a chance that it will make them want to protect what they see, and thus become more aware of the ways in which we must shift our actions and lifestyles to become more sustainable. Art is absolutely crucial in this world, and nothing is more rewarding than using it to keep our incredible Earth thriving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chloerphotos.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloerphotos/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-richardson-02252320b/

Image Credits
All images by Chloe Richardson.