We were lucky to catch up with Sinden Collier recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sinden, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
One of my most meaningful photographic projects is “Darkwater.” The project simultaneously pays homage to the writings of W.E.B. Du Bois and the Black experience in America.
My specific intention/goal for the Darkwater project is for viewers to take away a better understanding of history; a recognition that what is written is not always true. I would like the project to engage minds to think, to speak freely intellectually as well as conceptually. Du Bois’ postscript to Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil: “I have been in the world but not of it. I have seen the human drama from a veiled corner.” When studying Du Bois, you never stop learning and discovering.
Steven A. Heller for Black & White Magazine, so amply described the project as: Darkwater is “an amalgamation of visual messaging that considers portraiture and academic references uniquely woven into a harmonious pursuit of a formalized thesis.”
While Darkwater is clearly a departure from my aesthetic fine art images, it remains one of my most rewarding and personal projects to date.
Sinden, 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 define my work as “aesthetic fine art photography” wherein there lies a haunting atmosphere that speaks to a time past and to a desire to experience something new. Funny, I was considered ‘edgy’ in the L.A. market, which was an advantage, because as a creative person I learned early on that it was easier to ‘pullback’ this vision for commercial assignments.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the creative freedom. My art involves transforming images I create with the camera into images that meets my own artistic vision. Art is pure emotion and I love diving into it. I loved and deeply appreciated the genius of a multitude of artists from musicians, photographers, painters, etc. and my inspiration springs from all of these various sources.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
“THE ARTIST’S WAY ” by Julia Cameron is an amazing book about artistic creativity and harnessing creative talents and skills.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sindencollierphoto.com
- Instagram: @sindencollierphoto/
- Facebook: SindenCollierPhotography
Image Credits
All images by © SINDEN COLLIER