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Interview • 085 PH

Stewart Lawrence

Palmdale, California, USA

Please introduce yourself: What is your name, where are you from, what do you do?

My name is Stewart Lawrence and I'm from a city about an hour north of Los Angeles called Palmdale, California. I work in the animation industry, and have been taking photographs since 2016.

What is your relationship with photography, and how did you get into it?

Photography is a huge passion of mine and has been my main hobby for a few years now. I bought an Olympus XA2 camera in 2016 after taking a photography class at my local junior college, and have been enamored with taking photos ever since.

What do you think triggers you to photograph in a certain moment? Is it planned or solely driven by intuition?

I would say it's a little bit of both. When I'm walking around with my camera it's always intuition based and I try to photograph whatever happens to catch my attention in that moment, but if i'm just sitting around at home, I usually plan my shots more for still lifes and whatnot.

What is the story you want your pictures to tell?

Finding enjoyment in the small intricacies and details that surround us.

Which city would you like to visit the most, and why?

I've always wanted to visit London since I was a kid. Having grown up loving classic Disney movies, I've always had a sort of romantic curiosity for London. Obviously I know I wouldn't be walking into the set of 101 Dalmations or anything, but I've wanted to visit all the same.

What is your personal relationship to cities, and how do you perceive them as places in general?

Growing up in the suburbs, visiting Los Angeles and other big cities felt like a treat and something exciting to do on the weekends. I still have that same sort of eagerness to be in big cities, and have always enjoyed the liveliness of them.

What is the driving force behind creation?

For me it's honestly boredom. Regardless of the medium, boredom usually leads me to creation as a way to have fun and stay occupied, while doing something that feel enriching to my life. It's a win-win haha.

Which project did you never finish?

I remember when I was first starting to take photos I wanted to do a whole series of portraits of people yawning because I loved the way yawning really distorts peoples' faces. After taking two or three photos though, I realized that portraits are definitely not a strength of mine, so I abandoned the idea. Maybe i'll come back to that series one of these days, but not for now.

What is that «one thing» you have never managed to photograph and is now gone for good?

My Grandmother lived in Hong Kong, and I had always meant to take photographs around her condo because it was filled with all sorts of unique little knick knacks and old furniture, but since her passing last year, unfortunately I don't think i'll ever get the chance to photograph it how it was when she was living there.

If you could travel back/forth in time, what advice would you give your younger/older self?

To my younger self I'd say «enjoy this time, because life gets way more stressful when you get older». To my older self I'd say «sorry for wearing hats every single day», because my older self will undoubtedly be very bald.

What do you prefer saying: «to take a photograph» or to «make a photograph», and why?

I prefer «to take a photograph», because the camera is really the device that «makes» the photo. I suppose its a contradiction because I would say people «make» paintings, but «taking a photo» just makes more sense to me.

What is the most interesting experience you have had while photographing?

When I was living in Seattle, I remember this person following me down the street and around the block to nervously ask me «what the hell» I was doing after I took a photo in front of their apartment complex. They thought I was someone who had been harassing one of the residents that lived there, so they were just being nice and neighborly, but they still scared the shit out of me when they caught up.

If it wasn’t for photography, what would you be interested in doing instead?

If I wasn't so fond of photography, I would probably try to pick up painting more. I have so much respect for painters and their ability to create beautifully intricate pieces starting with just a blank canvas.

How would you describe one of your pictures to a blind person?

I would describe it as simple and colorful.

What are you currently working on, and—if there is—what is your next project or journey?

I am currently working on getting a photo book printed of photos I've taken over the past few years. I got a sample book made and was really happy with how it turned out, so hopefully I can get a bigger run of prints going soon.

Thank you, Stewart!

Editorial Notes:

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Photography: Stewart Lawrence
Location: Palmdale, California, USA

Links: Instagram