BLISS KATHERINE KAUFMAN

bliss1CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?

BK: Free. My vision for every shoot is rooted around natural, classic tones but in this, I believe that my subjects are each special characters representing adventure, raw beauty, and a lifestyle of freedom. This day and age is so hyped on being “free” but it seems most of them truly know what that really feels like. Taking huge risks, having your heart broken once or ten times, allowing yourself to effortlessly live in happiness. Road tripping across the country with friends, getting on a motorcycle, or finding a secret lake to skinny-dipping. Even making a dream a reality without anyone’s help and saying yes to everything scary, to me, is freedom. I want to capture that.

CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

BK: Mid-century architecture, retro Vogue editorials, my husband, western films and 70’s groupies

CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?

BK: I’m stuck in my mind most of the time, so my thought process when starting something new usually comes at ease. I am a planner so I naturally write down, collect and create ideas daily. When I’m presented with a project I love to pull the pieces together and do something that feels effortless but cool. I try not to look at other photographers work much when thinking up shoots. Comparison is a mood killer and I’ve learned to stay away from it.

CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?

BK: Attraction, mystery, wanderlust and maybe even a little inspiration.

CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?

bliss2BK: Patience is my best and worst friend. Opportunity happens overnight at times, but working hard doesn’t. I have sleepless nights often, which doesn’t get easier but I create the work I hoped to in the end. Traveling was my dream as a teen and I’m now living it, but days in beautiful places with jet lag are not as luxurious as people think. I try to give myself time to think and live aside from overworking myself. Taking long walks late at night, laying in the sunshine, eating well and running away to the desert with my husband are all vital to me. I’ve become very selective and sure to surround myself with confident people who live in the moment and love without thinking.

CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?

BK: My work is led by an inspiring model or location. Consistency and capturing a story is my goal.

CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?

BK: To not allow others change my overall aesthetic / vision.

CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?

BK: Knowing who you are and not caring what people think is of highest importance.

CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?

BK: Being trusted blindly. Many photography clients are impatient, anxious and in need of unrealistic things on impossible timelines. Secondly, if a model’s look or mood isn’t on the right page with me it’s a real turn off.

CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?

BK: Getting to see the world.

CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?

BK: My mother.

CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?

bliss3BK: iPhones, Instagram and apps are great, they really do bring creative people together around the world. At the same time; however, they are giving millions of people blind ambition. Fame is fantasy. We need to stop generalizing humans by followers and treat people equally.

CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?

BK: When I’m the only one in the room talking on about how great the vintage pink wallpaper is I seem to feel that way. Those that don’t follow creative paths are just as thoughtful and driven, just in a more organized way I would guess. Art in itself is it’s own world.

CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?

BK: Traveling is the best. Joshua Tree, CA is where I feel most at home.

CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?

BK: God is my favorite author.

CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?

BK: I’d love to find myself shooting in Australia one of these days, hopefully holding a koala while doing so.

CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?

BK: Having the ability to capture the in-between moments in life is special to me and not taking life or my career for granted.

CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?

BK: “Ultralight Beam” – Kanye West

CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?

BK: Dewy skin. Iconic faces. Bad attitudes. Messy hair.

CHECK OUT MORE ON: BLISS KATHERINE KAUFMAN

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