Tantalum: Can you tell us about the shoot you produced for the current issue of Tantalum?
Louiza Vick: The idea behind the concept was to reverse the cultural notions of gender. I specifically picked models that had a similar look so it would seem as if they are siblings, blurring the societal notions of feminine and masculine. I wanted the photos to have a black and white portraiture aesthetic so I used strobe lighting with diffusion to create soft shadows and highlights.
Tantalum: What influences your art the most?
Louiza Vick: Music – I like instrumental rock, and I listen to a lot of emerging artists. I try to represent my generation through my own art, so the work of fellow emerging artists inspires me. I find inspiration in music. It influences and compliments my creative process. Also, I love the work of Sebastian Kim, Craig McDean, Paolo Roversi, Annie Lebowitz, and Miles Aldridge. Their work greatly inspires me as it is the kind of conceptual photography I strive to do.
Tantalum: Where did you get your start in editorial work? How hard or easy was it for you to build your career
Louiza Vick: I have been doing editorial work for almost 2 years. It was hard at first to build my portfolio as it is such a collaborative medium and it was difficult in the beginning to find talented people to work with but through hard work, dedication, and persistence, I quickly started working with top modeling agencies in LA and magazines throughout the world.
Tantalum: What is your next big goal?
Louiza Vick: My next goal is to shoot for magazines whose work and vision I really admire, such as Flaunt, V, i-D, Dazed And Confused, Bon, and Dansk.
Tantalum: What artists would you love to work with:
Louiza Vick:
1. Jean Paul Gaultier
2. Guinevere van Seenus
3. Charles Varenne
Tantalum: What has been the most amazing opportunity you have had in this industry so far?
Louiza Vick: I think my favorite opportunity as of late was my editorial shoot for Fantasy: Dreams & Nightmares issue of FAULT Magazine. I had a chance to incorporate my painting and drawing skills into my photography and I am very excited to share the photos.
Tantalum: Tell us about a location you shot at that blew your mind?
Louiza Vick: I really enjoyed shooting Angela Simmons for the cover of GHUBAR Magazine with brilliant stylists Ugo Mozie and Daver Campbell at a private mansion at the top of Hollywood Hills. The scenery was just stunning.
Tantalum: How does this collection speak to you? What did you want this to say to your audience?
Louiza Vick: This series of photographs is all about showing that we're all the same. It's about re-defining identity and forgetting for a second about gender. What I see in the photographs is two young people growing up, as the models' looks progress from youthful to mature. Through change of make-up, hair, and styling, I hope the viewer's societal notions of feminine and masculine are blurred.
Tantalum: What is your secret to keeping a happy balanced life while following your passion?
Louiza Vick: It's all about staying positive, believing in yourself, and finding time to spend with your loved ones.
Tantalum: Where do you go to clear your mind?
Louiza Vick: I clear my mind by listening to music and spending time outside. I love the fresh area and outdoors.
Tantalum: Music feeds the soul and often motivates. What music are you playing while you are shooting?
Louiza Vick: I play music by various artists such as Regina Spektor, Beatles, Cults, The XX, M83, The Black Keys, Mika, Quadron, Meiko, Metric, and Lykke Li.
Tantalum: Some artists are worried about the future of our craft because of the digital age. What do you say to that?
Louiza Vick: I think as an artist, you must embrace change. Tools will always change and evolve. Art will never fade. As an artist living in a constantly changing technological age, my photography is a constantly evolving means of expression, reflecting the world in which I live and the work that inspires me. Music, essence of life, visual arts and my life experiences is what shapes and drives my work as a photographer.
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