I was born in the south of Sweden, in a town just by the sea. I still recall the storms and the rain, and I miss warm summer days walking on the beach or swimming in the ocean. At 19 I moved to London because I felt my town was way too small for me, and I had always daydreamed of other places and cultures. I was in a hurry when I left - I basically packed my bags, kissed my parents good bye and came alone to this big city. I had my camera in my hand and tried to find myself, my own way, and my role as a photographer. And I'm still trying! I think you should never stop, if you do, then it is like giving up.
Even though I moved away, I praise the north, and Sweden was a beautiful place to grow up in. During my teenage years I mainly took self portraits, and when I look back at them I recall the longing and dreaminess I always had. I still have that here in London, but it's not as strong. London penetrates your restlessness and in the crowds of people, sounds, lights and movements you slowly find a balance between "surviving" and "living".
The thing I love the most when living in a big city is all the many opportunities you have as an artist. You can do anything, and people are always interested in seeing your work. You can always find someone or something to document, and you constantly experience new things and feelings that you can recreate. I love how you can find connections with strangers on the tube, or at the streets.
But I'm not done exploring, there are so many places to see in the world. I plan to experience as many of them as I can in the future, and never stop growing in my role as a photographer.
Posts
2 comments:
this is so inspiring. i love hearing people's "i had to leave home and go do this" stories - they make me feel better about following my own dreams. & of course the photos are gorgeous.
stunning!
Post a Comment