We recently connected with Vanessa Charlot and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I stumbled into my photographic practice very young. I was 12 years old when I first picked up a camera. A disposable camera to be exact, because my mother wanted me to go to a better school than what was in our neighborhood. So with a disposable camera I began to photograph my community, a diverse Black and Brown immigrant neighborhood in the heart of Miami. In order to be accepted into the school, I had to prepare a portfolio demonstrating my skills. I didn’t think intimate portraits in Little Haiti would open so many doors and led me into a life long work of photography.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My work looks at the beautiful complexities of Black and Brown life through an authentic lens. So often, stories of these communities have been told by people who are not embedded in the fabric of the community’s realities. My unique approach gives the audience an honest look into the lives of people who unexpectedly mirrors their own. It gives the space to see the humanity that we all share. This has led to me becoming an award winning photographer.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is being able to make photographs that connect people to one another from various backgrounds by sharing human stories with universal themes that stand the test of time.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Being a creative comes from the innate need to externalize your thoughts and ideas and share them with the world. It makes you vulnerable to both yourself and a wider audience. Being an artist encourages you to face this tension of deep emotions and the desire to see it come alive through your work.

Contact Info:

• Website: vanessacharlot.com
• Instagram: @Vanessa.charlot
• Twitter: @vanessacharlot_