We were lucky to catch up with Miguel Josue Martinez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Miguel Josue, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
In 2020, I had the idea to travel to the town of Indianola, TX, which is considered a “ghost town” and at the time it was peak lock down and the world quite literally felt like a ghost town at the time really sparking the motivation and. After the first town I felt the need to create a body of work where I photograph towns that one point were fully booming towns and that now are abandoned.
I continued on with the “ghost town series” and at first my point was to show case these towns, but now I fell like the series has become more of a love letter to Texas. The series really opened my eyes to how wonderfully beautiful the state of Texas could be. The journey truly was something I will keep in my heart.
The series really pushed me no only as a photographer but to discover how beautiful the state of Texas can be, giving me a new perspective/appreciation on the state. I got to travel over 4000 miles in the span of 3 years. Learning about each town in the process. I traveled to Indianola, TX, Independence, TX, Bartlett, TX, Barstow, TX, Toyah, TX, Shafter, TX, Terlingua, TX, The Grove, TX, and finally Catarina, TX.
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?
I started photographing in High School where I feel really sparked my love and interest in photography then rolled over into college where I was studying for my BFA in photography at Santa Fe University of Art & Design. While in College I definitely was already working as a photographer creating mainly for musicians.
I kept working which my photography mainly was portraits for clients. Working freelance my photography ranged from products, apparel, weddings, editorial, and music.
I feel now my focus as a photographer is definitely more fine art driven.
I’ve down a lot of work and I honestly can say my current work actually makes me happy to keep creating. I feel that reflects on my client/commission work as well. This industry just like others is always changing and it s good to go with it but at the same time keep yourself genuine and keep your mental health top priority.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I feel like art of any kind is really not supported by the community or society. Artist are the free thinker and they have in the past impacts in our society in many ways than one. I also still feel like discouraging kids from following a creative path is not and should definitely be explore at least. Most art departments tend to be underfunded and I feel like that should change as well.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Creating work that you can be proud of based on what you really want to create and having people enjoy it.
Contact Info:
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