TBI Q&A: Photographer Rebecca Swan
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Auckland photographer Rebecca Swan has been exploring the intimacies, complexities and nuances of gender identity for more than a decade. Determined to provide a voice for the community, she self-published a book of interviews and photographs called Assume Nothing in 2004 with her own funds, after approaching close to 100 publishers.
"I started photographing people who didn't fit comfortably into a male or female box when I was living in Brighton England in 1993-1994. I continued this once I'd moved back to New Zealand and as I did I got to know more people and discovered the endless nuances within gender identity."
Her work and a documentary by Kirsty McDonald can be seen at TheNewDowse and includes images of well-known personalities including performer Carmen Rupe and politician Georgina Beyers.
"It feels like it has a life force of it's own, it just keeps expanding and reaching out into the world and touching peoples lives." Auckland photographer Rebecca Swan has been exploring the intimacies, complexities and nuances of gender identity for more than a decade. Determined to provide a voice for the community, she self-published a book of interviews and photographs called Assume Nothing in 2004 with her own funds, after approaching close to 100 publishers.
"I started photographing people who didn't fit comfortably into a male or female box when I was living in Brighton England in 1993-1994. I continued this once I'd moved back to New Zealand and as I did I got to know more people and discovered the endless nuances within gender identity."
Her work and a documentary by Kirsty McDonald can be seen at TheNewDowse and includes images of well-known personalities including performer Carmen Rupe and politician Georgina Beyers.
"It feels like it has a life force of it's own, it just keeps expanding and reaching out into the world and touching peoples lives."During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
After my early morning cup of tea.
How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Op shop classic
What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
See an idea manifested. I love the magic of watching a print coming up in the darkroom, it's like alchemy.
How does your environment affect your work?
My environment reflects my head-space and vice versa, so I try to keep clean white space around me (looking around my workspace proves I'm not always successful).
Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
With my artwork I usually start with the big picture, then hone in on the details. I'm a virgo perfectionist so I have to watch the details don't take over the big picture.
What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Commitment, then network, network, network! I find my quarterly newsletter a great way to keep people informed about what I'm up to without overloading their in boxes too frequently. You can register on www.rebeccaswan.com
Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Assume Nothing has given me the most satisfaction so far. It feels like it has a life force of it's own, it just keeps expanding and reaching out into the world and touching peoples lives.
However Fabricated Truths which is my latest mixed media and photography work, brings me the most joy. I can't help but smile looking at it. It's going to be showing at Mark Hutchins Gallery 216a Willis Street Wgtn opening 1st June - 26th June.
Tell us about the work that lead to your book Assume Nothing?
I started photographing people who didn't fit comfortably into a male or female box when I was living in Brighton England in 1993-1994. I continued this once I'd moved back to New Zealand and as I did I got to know more people and discovered the endless nuances within gender identity.
You ended up self-publishing after approaching publishers. Why did they turn it down and what did you gain by self-publishing?
Photographic publishing is expensive and most publishers want to know that they'll sell at least 3000 copies of something before they'll take the risk with the capital outlay. They just hadn't had examples of such a book to know how it was going to sell and felt it would be too niche. After approaching over 100 publishers in New Zealand, Australia, England, Germany, Switzerland and America I decided to take the financial risk myself. The advantage of self publishing was that I had complete control over the end product. This meant that I could guarantee that people in the book were also in control of how they were represented.
What was the most challenging aspect of the book?
Sustaining the passion and commitment over the 8 years that it took from the start to seeing in book shops.
Tell us about the exhibition. What works are featured and what does it explore?
There are 23 photographic works, text beside most of those works, 8 animated portraits and a feature length documentary by Kirsty MacDonald. It explores the intimacies, complexities and nuances of gender identity.
Who or what has inspired you recently?
The opening night of Assume Nothing at TheNewDowse. It was on Friday 11th April and I'm still totally blown away by it. We had 30 performers, speakers and crew produce an hour and a half programme that deeply touched all those who were there. Every item was focused on celebrating gender diversity and creativity. It was an extraordinary night, I cried a lot!
If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Rock star
What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The sea.
What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
With friends, coz they can play air guitar with you and you don't feel so stupid!
You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A dog toy.
What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Meditate.
What's great about today?
Assume Nothing is up and the public are looking at it!
What's your big idea for 2008?
Well by June I will have had 4 exhibitions in New Zealand this year, so I'm planning to take some time out and go with my partner to Peru and Bolivia for my 40th birthday.
Assume Nothing
April 12 -August 31, 2008
TheNewDowse
45 Laings Rd, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
16/04/08