PHOTO CONFESSIONAL: Cristina Piza
IF YOU WEREN`T A PHOTOGRAPHER, WHAT OTHER PROFESSION WOULD YOU PICK?
There are many interesting and fascinating professions in the world. Having been born in Costa Rica in the 60’s I wasn’t exposed to many of them. A profession that I greatly admire is that of Teaching. I find it selfless and inspiring. I had some creative and extraordinary teachers in my life.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CRUCIAL DECISION YOU HAVE MADE IN YOUR CAREER’S DEVELOPMENT?
I am not so sure, I would say it is a succession of decisions, from moving to the UK to cover the Cuban Special period on the 90’s. To always work hard and trying my best.
HOW IMPORTANT IS RESEARCH IN YOUR WORK?
It depends on the subject. It depends on how personal it is. Whether you are approaching a personal question or a geopolitical issue, etc. It also depends on what you consider research, most times for me, is simply to walk and observe a city or a space beforehand to find out when the light is right.
IS THERE A PHOTOGRAPHER/ARTIST WHO IS A CONSTANT REFERENCE FOR YOU?
Many. I guess what I admire in most work is the sincerity of the approach to the subject. Simplicity on the execution. The early Magnum photographers. Tina Modotti, Evan’s, Disfarmer, Rio Branco, the list is long.
Kween of Dreams, From the series “Horsedreamer”
WHAT WOULD YOU NOT WANT TO PHOTOGRAPH?
Things that I don’t understand.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE, AND WHAT IMPORTANCE DO YOU GIVE TO TECHNIQUE?
Well, I use analog cameras, with standard lenses, mainly Hasselblad and Nikon, but it is also a decision subject to budget considerations. I think is important to know well how to use your equipment and to maintain it.
heading home, From the series “Horsedreamer”
WHAT IS THE STARTING POINT OF YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
In my case, one subject lead to another and to another. The more you do something change the way you perceive things and reveal them as photographic, etc…
In my case, it also helped me to see other work under a new perspective. This lead me to a broader understanding of photography.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY WITH A #TAG
I would like my tag to be honest. But I think it is direct or simple. Other people may be better at this.
AT WHAT POINT DID YOU FEEL YOU WERE A PHOTOGRAPHER, AND WHAT MADE YOU THINK THAT WAY?
I wouldn’t know precisely, I guess with the first sales and commissions it felt real and became eventually my main source of income.
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH REJECTION?
Badly. It is a constant in photography. Especially if you’re looking for work or exhibitions, etc…
It’s quite a cruel industry, with all the problems that society can offer: judgment, racism, sexism, etc… it’s part of it and will remain as long as human beings are involved.
From the series “A Music So Subtle”
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED SUCH SUCCESS?
I don’t think I have accomplished success. Some of my work was more successful than others, but it is still a battle. I just feel I have learned to defend my work more eloquently. I have become a better editor of my own images. I am now also grateful for the opportunities when they present themselves to me.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH STRANGERS IN YOUR PROJECTS OR TO INCLUDE IN YOUR PROJECTS?
Directly, politely and sincerely.
From the series “A Music So Subtle”
IS IT COMMON FOR YOU TO QUESTION YOURSELF OR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?
Constantly.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU AS A WOMAN TO BE A PHOTOGRAPHER? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOUR PROJECTS AND YOUR APPROACH TO THE ART WORLD/PHOTO-BOOK WORLD?
The world has changed since I started working. The workplace has changed as well.
The environment I started from were the photography desk in newspapers and magazines. I’m not sure how much being a woman affected me, because I was always a foreigner, and that was quite something to deal with. I would imagine that being a foreign woman was not exactly advantageous, as I imagine it is in many other professions.
I want to think that today is different, but I still waiting to experience that.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A NEW PHOTOGRAPHER WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT?
I don’t know what to say. The situation is so different today. I would imagine that it is still a hard path to follow if you aren’t willing to take rejection and submit to constant revision of your work.
Make sure that whatever you choose, is something that you love and enjoy. Approach your work with love and respect.
ABOUT cristina piza
Cristina Piza was born in Costa Rica in1963 and grew up in Mexico. She currently lives in Berlin.
Exhibitions (selection): Filtro Gallery, Miami; Fort Mason, San Francisco; Sotheby's Images of Women, London; Intervention on Public Space, Gallo Matese National Park, Naples; ARCO Klaus Steimnetz Gallery, Madrid, Spain; Photogalerie 94, Baden; Eric Franck Fine Art Gallery, Art, Basel; Erick Franck Fine Art Gallery, London; Galerie Argus Fotokunst, Berlin; Mercati-Generali, Catania; Photographers Associaton Gallery, London; Eric Franck Fine Art , Le Carousel du Louvre; Museo Laboratorio di Arte Contemporanea, Rome; Haus derKulturen der Welt, Berlin; Tom Blau Gallery, London
Awards (selection): Olympus Fashion Award (Highly Commended); John Kobal Portrait Award of National Portrait Gallery; Eddie Adams-Grant, Eddie Adams Workshop for PJ; FUJI New Approach Competition (runner-up); 1. Price photography contest "Hände"; 1. Price El Pais Semanal photography contest; 2. Price photography contest "Körperbild"; 1. Price Centro Studi Storia del Lavoro; General Winner Elliot Erwitt photography contest; Fulbright Grant; Freelens Layout Price: 1. Price for QE2
self portrait
