artist — Blog — ALYSSA BARNETT

1. Where/how do you see the art world being affected after Instagram?

We can already see how the art world has been affected by social media, specifically Instagram. Of course, there are pros and cons to this. Instagram has millions of users which can allow for a large following. There are artists making money selling their art through their page on their own and without the help of a museum or the traditional art world. Artists are being discovered on Instagram every year. However, these artists are being called “Instagram artist” which is quite degrading. They are being undervalued. They are viewed as less of an artist because of where they displayed their art and how they were discovered.

I think Instagram has been a big part of the art world and when/if it disappears it could have negative effects. Instagram has revealed the flaws in the traditional art world. The artists who have been discovered with Instagram should never have had to turn to social media to break into the art world. Although, now that this flaw has been revealed it may be a good thing when/if Instagram disappears. These artists may finally have the chance to be discovered by the traditional art world and be represented in museums.

2. What is the next platform and/or new way of showing our work to others?

One day Instagram’s popularity will decrease and might possibly disappear. How will we show our work to others? Will another platform replace Instagram? These are questions we can’t answer in the present moment but there will always be another platform that arises. All we can do is hope for a platform that is better for artists and for people to recognize that no matter where someone is discovered – an artist is an artist.

What advice do you have for a young artist?

· Be true to yourself.

· Keep all your art even if you consider it a failure.

· Don’t compare yourself to other artists.

· Work outside.

· Create as often as you can.

· Don’t be afraid to try new things.

“Art is harmony parallel with nature.”

— Paul Cezanne

1. Have you always known that you are an artist?

No. When I was younger I was more interested in English and Literature. I didn’t think that think that photography or creative writing could be considered an art.

2. Have you always known that you wanted to be a photographer?

No, when I was little I wanted to be a veterinarian, a lawyer and then a doctor or more specifically, a neurosurgeon.

3. When did you know you wanted to become an artist/photographer?

Well, I have been interested in photography since I was little but never thought that I could make a career out of it - not until I was much older in high school. I also always loved reading, later on began writing, and never thought about turning that into a career for real until my sophomore year of college.

4. Nikon or Canon? Why?

Personally, I prefer Nikon but that is mostly because that is what I’ve been using since I started with DSLR Cameras. It’s the first one my brother let me borrow.

5. Do you have a favorite Lens?

I just recently purchased a 70mm to 300mm lens over the summer and I’m quite partial to that lens.

6. What is your favorite subject to photograph?

I really enjoy photographing landscapes and basically anything in nature. I also enjoy photographing my dog and my family.

7. What does photography mean to you?

Recently, I haven’t been taking as many pictures as I used to because I like to live in the moment rather than through a screen. I observe now more than I capture. This has really helped me capture more meaningful moments some that can be simple but still just as powerful. It could be a small thing like a sunset or something bigger. Photography means choosing to capture the moments that mean the most to you - ones that you can relive later.

8. Who and/or what inspires you? Not necessarily another photographer.

As an artist many things/people inspire me. I am inspired by a photography named Brad Heaton who is a concert photography mainly for a band called twenty one pilots, who inspire me as well. Brad Heaton inspires my photography. Twenty One Pilots inspire me to follow my dreams of writing and photography. I am also inspired by writer John Green and poet Ashley Dun.

9. Where does your passion come from?

My passion for photography and creative writing come from God. He gave me the gift of writing and eye for photography. God gives me the motivation to keep improving my skills and nothing beats the joy of creating a beautiful photograph or finishing something you’ve been writing.

10. What interests you most about photography?

I’ve always loved the idea of freezing specific moments in time and how differently the world can look through a lens. I love that photography can convey so many things to thousands of people.

11. How has photography influenced you as a person?

Photography has allowed me to become closer to God. I love nature photography and I specifically love photographing trees. They are so much more than just a plant or source of oxygen. They are symbols of strength and wisdom. Nature and trees have a way of healing the human spirit.

12. Some photographers say that they see the world differently and that they have a different perspective on life. What is your perspective on the world and on life?

Photography has helped me see things differently than the rest of the world. You can see beauty where others don’t. The beauty in the old, seemingly broken things: like an old building or dead roses.

Life After Instagram & Advice for a Young Artist

How I Became An Artist