Lizabeth Nieves has been photographing and conducting interviews with local emerging artists for BORO for the past six months. In February, however, she will be holding her own show, entitled The Everyday Creative, at Astoria Park Wine and Spirits from February 6th through April 3rd. We decided to flip things around, and ask her a few questions, as one of our very own artists. Interview BRAdley hawks Images Lizabeth Nieves Bradley Hawks: How do you find/determine the subjects for your portraits? Lizabeth Nieves: I find my subjects through friends and recommendations—I try to keep my ear out for anyone doing anything interesting and creative. I already have a list for 2014. BH: When did you start taking photographs? LN: I started taking photographs about three years ago BH: Do you have a favorite camera? LN: I have a Fuji digital rangefinder that I love, and an old Olympus film camera BH:Your images are almost like memories, evoking a sense of nostalgia. What do you hope people feel when they see your images? LN: My goal when photographing someone is to show an aspect of them that is not posed, and beautiful. To me, there is a beauty in every face, and that is all the more apparent when someone lets their guard down. I want you to feel like you really know the person just from the photo. BH: Can you describe a typical interaction with a subject just before the shot is snapped? LN: I usually chat them up to get them to relax; it depends on how uncomfortable they are in front of the camera. Sometimes I only have a few minutes, and those have been great, but the most rewarding moment is when they trust me to do my thing and the guard comes down. BH: It seems as if your subjects all have you into their homes for your shoots. What is the most awkward moment you have had on a shoot? LN: I prefer to shoot someone in their home. They are usually more relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera if it’s in their space. The only awkward moments I have had are maybe just in the beginning of being in a stranger’s home. It’s a bit what I imagine a blind date to be like—some awkward conversation until you find a common ground. I can usually gauge within a few moments what I’m working with. 36 | BOROMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2014 BH:How many portraits will be a part of ‘The Everyday Creative’? LN: Between 12-15. There are 25 completed interviews and portraits from the series in 2013, so I will have a book with all of them at the show. BH:When and where can we see the portraits? LN: The show will be at Astoria Park Wine and Spirits, 28-07 24th Avenue starting on February 6th. BH: How long will it run? LN: It runs February 6th thru April 3rd. BH: When is the opening party? LN: The opening will be Friday, February 7th, from 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm. THE ARTS
BM022014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above