What are you working on now?
Following my exhibition and live installation Big Scenes at the Hackney Empire, I am working on my Big Scenes show at the Hay Hill Gallery in Mayfair and starting my new book project.
Your photography has a cinematic quality. What provides your inspiration?
I’ve always been fascinated by films and I wanted my photographs ‘to talk’ in cinematic style. Also, I was introduced to the surrealist art form while growing up, which captivated my imagination. Luis Bunuel’s work inspired me throughout the years. I developed my style of photography based entirely on the dream; imaginary evolving into a multi-layered story, creating a highly personal, imaginary cinema,which enables the viewer to interpret my narratives freely.
Does Notting Hill provide inspiration for your work?
For me, Notting Hill is like being in a little town with its own market, vintage shops and bohemian bookstores. I am inspired by London in general; I have always been thrilled by Bill Brandt’s foggy, dark and mysterious black and white photographs in contrast with the elegant work of Cecil Beaton. Despite the ultra modernism of the city I am still nostalgic about the Old Britain, which is present in my work. I also find London cosmopolitan, spacious, and architecturally diverse. Its dynamic, avant-garde style and its proportionality and the influx of multi-foreign cultures are a source of inspiration for me; to find characters, interesting locations and to experiment with new ideas.
Circumstances became an award-winning film at Portobello Film Festival…
My book Circumstances is a collection of black and white photographs, which came out in 2004. In 2008 I made a short film made of my own photographic stills, also called Circumstances, which can be seen as a small retrospective of my artwork. It won Best Art Film at the Portobello Film Festival that year and Best Experimental Art at the Open Cinema Film Festival in St Petersburg, Russia, in 2009.
How important do you think independent film festivals are for fostering talent?
There are just a few quality independent film festivals which are good starting points for up-and-coming filmmakers.
Do you have a muse?
My mannequin in my studio!
What are you most proud of ?
My artwork.
What where your last three holiday destinations?
I don’t take holidays very often. Whenever I travel it’s always connected with my work.
What do you miss when you’re away?
My cooking.
What’s been your most memorable west London meal?
My own cooked succulent grilled sea bass with grilled aubergines and courgettes and chick pea, sweet potato salad accompanied by an exquisite glass of red wine in my studio.
What’s in your secret address book?
The Orangery in Kensington Gardens. Its peaceful and geometric harmony is an inspiration. It reminds me of the mysterious Magritte’s and William Degouve de Nuncques’ paintings.
What’s your philosophy on life?
Challenge yourself and be a dreamer.
