TAIS SIROTE - IN CONVERSATION
We recently had the pleasure of collaborating with the innovative photographer, Tais Sirote together with Set Designer Gemma Tickle on their recent exhibition 'Tooth & Nail'. As we delved deep into the colour & creativity of Sirote’s work, colour-matching & printing each piece to bring her artistic vision to life in vibrant detail…
1. Hi Tais! Can you share with us what ignited your passion for photography and set you on your current career path?
Since I was a child, I've been into anything artistic. When I was just 10, my brother introduced me to photography by taking me with him and showing me how the camera worked. I liked the idea of planning and capturing what was already in the world and the different perspectives that could be created depending on who was in front of the camera.
Since then, I have started photographing my friends and family. Even though I studied Illustration and Graphic Design, photography was always present in my work. Once I moved to London, I realised that photography was what I enjoyed the most and had the opportunity to focus all my energies on that. And here I am, ten years later!
2. Looking back at your journey so far, what do you consider to be the defining moment or milestone?
Reflecting on my professional journey so far, I'd say that moving to London was the defining moment. It gave me the space and opportunity to focus on what I truly wanted to pursue which was being a photographer and establishing my own business.
3. How would you describe your photography style and how has it evolved?
My photography style could be described as playful and surreal. Initially, I was drawn to the challenge of making the “ugly” or painful things appear beautiful, often working with common objects. Over time, I've learned to use lighting creatively as a tool to elevate my subjects. Recently I have been exploring photographing people more and more, as a result of the search of new meanings and new ways to tell the stories I want to share.
4. What inspired the concept behind your exhibition?
We started this project with Gemma Tikle when we realised we were drawn to objects in the same way and how we can alter the personality and meaning of an object and the ideas or feelings they can evoke.
5. What was your experience like working with us on the process of printing the images for ‘Tooth & Nail’?
It was perfect. Your assistance was invaluable; you guided me through the whole process, from selecting the right paper for the exhibition to ensuring that every detail was meticulously taken care of.
6. What emotions or reactions do you hope to evoke in viewers when they see the exhibition?
That’s a big one! I’ll let the viewers interpret for themselves. I find it fascinating how the same image can evoke such varied reactions from different people. So, I'm inviting viewers to bring their own perspectives and experiences to the table.
7. Who or what serves as your muse in your photography? Are there any artists or experiences that have deeply influenced it?
My background in illustration and graphic design has definitely shaped the style and approach of my photography. I don't have a specific artist or photographer who serves as my muse in mind, I’m rather inspired by whatever moves me in the moment. For this particular project, I found myself drawn to the airbrush illustrators of the 80s, particularly by Hajime Sorayama and that’s why I started working with this technique for this project where I’ve airbrushed all the images in the exhibition.
8. What's next for Tais after Tooth & Nail? Are there any upcoming projects or ideas you're excited to explore?
Yes, I’m working on a book at the moment and a few other smaller printed projects. This project made me realise how different it feels to get out of the digital world and actually print and see the finished product physically.
9. Lastly, what advice would you give aspiring photographers looking to take the next step and start printing their work?
My advice is to begin with a series that speaks to you personally. Even if you're just using your own printer at first, the act of printing your images can provide a whole new perspective on your project. Seeing your work in physical form allows you to engage with it in a different way and perceive the strengths and weaknesses of your images. So, don't wait for the perfect setup or equipment. Dive in and start printing, even on a small scale, to see where it takes you!
Tooth & Nail will be open until April 25th at 1014 Gallery.
For more, follow us on @hempstead_may and @taissirote.