DANIEL FEATHERSTONE: STREET PHOTOGRAPHY CATCHES THE HUMAN BEAUTY

Daniel Featherstone presented us his street photography: the protagonists of his photos are the New Yorkers who through their emotions and expressions represent the city over the years.

CAN YOU TELL US WHICH WERE THE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS OF YOUR LIFE THAT MADE YOU THE ARTIST OF TODAY?

I had an unorthodox approach to life and didn’t do well in institutions.

I think what’s important is truly understanding yourself and the way you see and feel.

All artists are inherently born with a vision. Using your time to express and refine your vision to have a point of view and be as unique as possible.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECTS TO IMMORTALISE? AND HOW HAS YOUR WAY OF RELATING TO SUBJECTS CHANGED OVER TIME?

People of course. New Yorkers have a way of encapsulating themselves in relationship to the city. The city has molded them over time to become a reflection of the city itself.

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDOL FROM THE PAST, ANY PHOTOGRAPHERS OR ARTISTS YOU HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY?

I’ve always appreciated painters more than photographers especially when it comes to light. Most photography bores me unless it’s obscenely emotional and creative.

As far as artists - maybe Hopper in particular. Vermeer, Chiaroscuro style, Caravaggio etc you could say. Other photographers who inspire are ones that offer alternatives to what I do.

HOW IMPORTANT IS A PERSONAL VISION IN STREET PHOTOGRAPHY SHOTS?

Obviously very important. It’s what differentiates your work from others. So much ambiguity in street photography these days that leads to homogenizing and confusing the essence of photography.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO CATCH THE “UNEXPECTED”?

Knowing, feeling and timing. Sometimes I move my camera in increments and close my eyes to feel the moment. I try to make it as organic instead of the perfect frame.

IS NEW YORK CITY STILL FULL OF INTERESTING SUBJECTS YOU CAN CAPTURE WITH YOUR CAMERA, AND HOW IT IS CHANGED IN THESE LAST YEARS?

New York is always transient. It ebbs and flows. The last years I’ve seen it change dramatically. Much more of a desperate sensibility which can also be interpreted as poetic.

YOU HAVE OFTEN USED THE EXPRESSION "SCRATCH THE SURFACE", CAN YOU EXPLAIN IT TO US?

I feel that an artists work is never “done” per se. It’s an evolution over time.

I’m always evolving as an artist and always exploring - just scratching the surface of that exploration all the time. There’s so much to do. It is infinite and overwhelming.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE A PLACE THROUGH THE FACES OF THOSE WHO LIVE THERE, WHAT IS THEIR ATTRACTION FOR YOU AND WHAT IS THE MEANING OF HUMANITY THAT YOU PORTRAY?

I’ve always found the idea of how we define ourselves cosmetically. The way we portray our identity to the world.

I find poetry and beauty in being naturally human. Unpretentious. I like subjects unprompted, unaware to retain the naturalness and nakedness of the core. That’s what interests me.

CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECTS?

Continuing the work and wherever that takes me.

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Images provided by Daniel Featherstone