We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aaron Barnes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Aaron, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
My passion for the craft began with watching film. Something about them fascinated me. I wanted to learn how and why a specific shot was captured. Studying the likes of Gordon Parks, Don Hogan Charles and also the artwork of Ernie Barnes I began to create a style of my own. Although I felt (at the time) I started later than others. I was right on time. That hindered my growth for quite some time. I would criticize my art prior to even showing it to someone else. As time progressed and I built up enough confidence to share with others the response was quite surprising. When showing your art to others and they describe your piece as what you intended to be makes it all worth while. I don’t fault myself for it. I gave myself time to grow creatively. I studied vigorously, watching an array of how to videos and reading memoirs of creatives I admire. That lack of confidence no longer lingers in my art. I create freely and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
During my adolescent years I was always told I had potential. It was written on report cards and told to my mother by various family members and friends. I never knew the extent of my talent it took sometime to figure out what direction I wanted to go in. I’ve auditioned for Juilliard at the age of 13 and was accepted into the Music Advancement Program. I’ve traveled the country playing percussion in a drum corp. Many of my life experiences led me to this point with a camera. Wishing I had the chance to capture those moments. I cherish those experiences. These moments we live we won’t experience again, not that exact feeling. My art stems from the thought of restoring a feeling you once had. It isn’t just a photo. It’s a feeling you get that makes you feel as if you were there.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 2020, I was on a creative high. I felt I finally learned my camera and I knew exactly how I wanted the images I created to look. I left Brooklyn, NY. to visit my mother wanting to capture the memories shared with family members. After the first evening in NC someone broke into my car stealing all of my equipment. I was discouraged. I was hurt, I feel taken advantage of. Something so near and dear to my heart was taken away.
During that time I had many conversations with my brother Junior Sonthonax. He told me to not give up and to remain resilient. My art still needs to be seen by the world. I am forever grateful for him for that.
I gave creating a break took time away and over time the conversation keep repeating itself in my head. His words motivated me to give my craft another shot. I purchased myself another camera and began to shoot with intent. Creating with a purpose. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I’ve learned from creating and sharing your art on social platforms to create what you like. I used to really be critical of my art because it wasn’t of the same aesthetic of other creatives. “Why doesn’t my photos look like that?” Something I asked myself time and time again. I learned over time that what I create is unique. There’s value in not being the same. Coming into your own creatively works wonders for the spirit. Your art becomes an emotion that’s understood without using words.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ARNBRNS.com
- Instagram: ARNBRNS
- Twitter: ARNBRNS