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

Hi Laura , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Along the journey of my career I became co-founder of an organization called The You Rock Foundation, reaching further into the psychology of music. I also met so many wonderful people along the way, some whom wanted to take their connection to music further as I did. One of my close colleagues, and graphic designer, wanted to use his connection to the music industry to launch his idea for The You Rock Foundation to capture video statements of encouragement and support, given by music artists, to help anyone struggling with low self-esteem, depression and a sense of separation. These artist testimonies aim let anyone who is struggling know that life goes on and “gets better.” “Pain is temporary.” – Corey Taylor (Front-man, Slipknot).

From my work with the foundation there have been so many beautiful, organic moments of compassion, wisdom, perseverance, and support. I was humbled by humanities ability to bounce back in the face of unimaginable pain and anxiety. I was thankful that these artists agreed to share their stories with us, as vulnerable as it may have been, to give validity to others experiencing the same struggles they had. It let those who were watching the testimonies know they were not alone in their feelings. It was a crew of two, myself and my colleague, the You Rock’s founder. We would set up and camera, light, and black backdrop in a private space for the artist to answer our three questions in:

1. Can you describe a dark time in your life?

2. What did you do to survive this dark time?

3. What advice would you give to your younger self looking back?

The intimacy of the way in which these videos were captured allowed me to be in close proximity with music artists that helped me with my own emotions with the lyrics. It was surreal to have first hand teachings from those names I had grown up listening to like Jonathan Davis (Korn, Frontman), Darryl McDaniels (RUN DMC), Corey Taylor (Frontman, Slipknot), Richard Patrick (Frontman, Filter), Randy Blythe (Frontman, Lamb of God), and Jesse Leach (Frontman, Killswitch Engage) to name a few.

Excerpt from my artist statement from my 2018 gallery show: WHY IS MUSIC IMPORTANT?: Answered By The Words of The You Rock Foundation

“I envision The You Rock Foundation as a continuous wheel in motion, which is tapped into at moments of clarity and beauty to offer support and hope to people. The need for this support and hope is not restricted by parameters, but can be offered to anyone. I understand the content in The You Rock Foundation’s video testimonials, social media sites, fund-raisers, marketing, merchandise, etc. is created from the organic source of human feeling, response, and their words used to describe it. In a way, similar to story-telling to help teach, support, and show compassion for others.”

Laura , 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 feel that the best blanket statement is that I’m a freelance creative portrait photographer. I’m using this string of words in addition to simply “photographer” as they pertain the the tributary involvement that comes with this kind of career. To include the word “freelance” is important because it shows that there isn’t a contract or attachment to one particular area of photography, but rather include my initial passion of conceptual portrait photography, as well as, head shot, still life, architectural, travel, art copy, and on a rare occasion food photography. The word “creative” is mentioned because I always like to say I have to make something out of nothing. Sometimes the visual things we seek to capture aren’t readily apparent.

I would attribute my love and formula for photography from my exposure to travel from a young age as well as my parents work ethic and dedicated nature to their own ideas. My father was also in a freelance career of his own as a tradesman, and my mom continued her art studies even after I was born. I traveled between my parent’s homes quite often and as a result observation of multiple surroundings, personalities, places, traditions, and cultures was cultivated. I liked meeting new people and hearing their stories. When I traveled I loved learning about the people who were in the places I went before we were. For example, on of my most memorable trips was to the Grand Canyon National Park and learning about the Navajo nation, their traditions, and seeing their land. As I began to study photography I loved capturing all of these observations with portraiture, using the people who represented my observations as my subjects. I took this even further in college to focus this portraiture more so on musicians and artists.

From early in my career, even to this day, what I feel I bring to the table is a sensitivity toward whom I’m photographing, whether its commissioned work or a personal project. This sensitivity is a common thread that will allow for a more thorough observation of my subject and a better representation of them or their ideas through the lens. My portfolio of work includes such headlining bands as Rush, Incubus, and Guns N’ Roses; solo artists including Madonna, Taylor Swift, Shakira, Rihanna, Cher, and Vance Joy; as well as artist from the likes of Billy. In addition, I have photographed Nils Lofgren and Steve Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. I am as passionate about their music as I am about these artists themselves.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I feel society, or rather the way society is structured, must regroup based on how important an artist’s role is in society. If this role is recognized then it won’t be a “starving artist” situation, it will be a fairly commissioned situation. Much of the arts, or even corporate collaboration with artists, is misunderstood when it comes to time and energy. A lot of what is demanded of artists is to make something out of a vision, no initial tools. This process from beginning to end takes time, energy, and when the goal is to create a product, production money. Much of what needs to be created by artists takes background work. This turns a one day job into a multi day job depending on what the end product requires.

That being said, I find it to be a constant that rates and production time are always given a kick back, causing rates to be lowered and the allowable quality of an artistic product to go down as well. If the kickback on what an artist need to achieve is eliminated and the work effort understood, I feel this would make a healthier environment for artists and creatives.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The first thing I would say is that we are all creative, its just how far we decide to recognize it within our selves. Creativity exists in may forms; from further understanding, problem solving, inventing, and researching. There are also the tangible, physical, and audible arts, which are applied by individuals whom possess these talents. That being said, I feel creativity lies everywhere and doesn’t necessarily get boxed into a “creative” group.

I find the most rewarding aspect is when your work can open up a whole new world of thought for those you are working with, showing them a view or an idea which helps them tap into their own creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ldophoto.net
• Instagram: @ldo_photo_archives
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LDOPhotography
• Linkedin: Laura Desantis-Olsson

Image Credits
I have the rights to these photos I took them