“I guess with that said if anyone were to care about what I do, what I would want them to take from it is patience and awareness.”
We had a chat with New York based Photographer Joe Miller about what inspires him, giving us a glimpse into his creative process.
Interview by Eva Davidová
How did you discover photography?
I discovered photography when I was around 16-17 years old through skateboarding. That was the main thing I would shoot for many years until branching out my interests extensively.
Describe your creative process….
This varies day by day but I pull most of my inspirations from films or paintings.
Black and white or color?
I am open to both and they both have their place. As of late I have been shooting black and white more often. I’d like to strip away as much technicality as possible in order to show a more honest point of view. After saying this I still want to clarify that color is still an important element to me that I’ll always incorporate but right now it’s not what I’m thinking about.
“I feel that most things people associate with femininity should be the bases of how we all behave and treat each other.”
What does nature mean to you and how do you incorporate it in your work?
Nature, to me, means tranquility and peace. It has a unique and spiritual form of silence to it. Living in New York city it is hard to incorporate nature visually into my work for obvious reasons but I always try to incorporate that tranquility and silence before anything.
If there was one thing you wanted your audience to take from your work, what would it be?
This is hard to answer because it’s not a thing I ever think about. I don’t create to cater to audiences — it’s more of a personal thing to me. I guess with that said if anyone were to care about what I do, what I would want them to take from it is patience and awareness.
Where do you find yourself when you’re not taking photos?
I spend most of my time reading, drinking coffee, at the movie theater or going on very long walks.
Any other art medium you express yourself with?
Yes. I also paint, draw, and write. I appreciate these mediums a lot because I don’t feel any need to show them to anyone. it allows me to create as I please at whatever pace I decide with no expectations. It’s an honest practice and also pushing paint against a canvas just feels really nice.
“Living in New York city it is hard to incorporate nature visually into my work for obvious reasons but I always try to incorporate that tranquility and silence before anything.”
What’s on your next travel itinerary? Any special places on your list?
I have an upcoming trip to Paris next month. I’m excited about that. I’ve yet to go to Europe and i’m traveling alone. I don’t really have any plans while I’m there. I’m going to keep it loose and just spend most of my time walking around aimlessly.
What song currently inspires you?
There are many and this could turn into a long tangent but to keep it short — five albums I’m currently heavily indulging in are:
– Kristofferson – Kris Kristofferson
– Surfs up – The Beach Boys
– Freight train and other NC folk songs and tunes- Elizabeth Cotten
– House of sugar – (sandy) alex g
– Buried Wish – pc worship
How do you portray femininity in your work?
I’d like to think that when I take a photograph I am approaching it with a sense of vulnerability and sincerity with assumption it’ll translate into the end result. I guess it all depends on how you would define femininity. I feel that most things people associate with femininity should be the bases of how we all behave and treat each other.
Any artist that inspires you?
This is another question that I can’t narrow down to just one but to name
five:
-Edward Hopper
-Krzysztof Kieślowski
-Cindy Sherman
-Ingmar Bergman
-Donna Deitch
Any books you’re currently reading?
I’m currently reading a collection of three novellas, “Childhood, Boyhood, and Youth” by Tolstoy.
www.joemillernyc.com
Instagram @okjoemiller
all images by Joe Miller
Interview by Eva Davidová
instagram @evvvd
