‘Brought to Light’ – Mobile Photography / Art Interview with Christine O Sobczak from Wisconsin, United States
Our ‘Brought to Light‘ interview section explores the mobile photographers and mobile artists behind their art. Each question has been carefully crafted and is designed to allow us to get to know them a little more intimately. To view others that we have published in this series, please go here.
Today, we are featuring Christine O Sobczak, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. O Sobczak is an incredibly talented mobile photographer and artist. Unlike many mobile artists whom I feel I have met, but have not, I can happily reveal that I have met O Sobczak and spent time with her and as I write up this interview, that memory warms me and I have a huge smile on my face.
Two years ago, O Sobczak came to England, she had a stop over at a port which I knew was not far from the New Forest, an area in England that I adore. So, I drove down to meet her and it was beautiful. We shared dinner, with my daughter and her husband and then I took them for a short drive into the New Forest, hoping to find and show them the wild ponies that wander around. So, it is against this backdrop, knowing I have the advantage of more intimate knowledge of this very elegant and talented artist that I can write with confidence here.
O Sobczak has reinvented the form by following her instincts, her work is deeply visceral and personal, it is exquisite in its delicate intimacy and reflective. O Sobczak is such a centred presence and also in contrast, impulsive. It is this mix of energy and excitement that shows through in her flamboyant art. One of the best ways to appreciate O Sobczak’s art is by following a carefully crafted series of work, as we are showing here within this interview. This series of her work merges documentary and fine art, finding a new way of looking at our world and beyond, she’s breaking the rules and influencing the direction and style of mobile art. She puts one foot into an unconscious world, as she evokes a parallel universe, she has experienced before. This is heightened documentary fine art, one where atmosphere and mystery are key elements.
To view more of her work, please go here.
This body of work drew us to Christine O Sobczak…
All photos ©Christine Sobczak
Describe a moment that changed your life
There are many larger, and more beautiful moments in my personal life. But, I will narrow this to an art moment. In the nineties, I had just finished my four year art degree. Just before that happened, I sent an image of a single safety pin to a contest in New York. It was a silver print, in which, the safety pin had been hand colored to reflect the color of gold (completely minimalistic). I was warned that I should not have payed to enter the contest. Months later, I received a call from a top advertisement agency in the US. They wanted to see my portfolio. They had seen that image and wanted to see more. However, I did not have a portfolio at that time. As I had randomly decided to pursue a degree in art, after already having a degree in nursing, this was a wonderful affirmation of my decision.
Describe a childhood photographic/art memory
I really do not have a photographic art memory in childhood. When I entered the university art school, I was petrified because I did not have any background in art. I just had a desire to explore it. I fell in love with photography because of the darkroom’s : dripping water, solitude and magic.
Describe your mobile studio
I once had an actual art studio in an old warehouse. I hand colored my silver prints there.
I hatched many ideas and products in that tidy, little space. The rent was raised and I had to give the space up. Now, I work at my kitchen’s raised counter top with my iPad and smartphone.
What do you like to think about whilst you are creating images
Sometimes I put music on from Spotify or my iTunes collection. Many times I just work in silence because of my complete concentration on the images.
Share one photo tip
If you are creating personal, independent work (not from a site), create your own theme. However, do not be discouraged if your theme is completely changed when you start working on it. Images like to take on a life of their own. And, many times, it is much more interesting than what you had envisioned. So, just “Let it go”🎼
Who or what ignited your passion for mobile photography
I left the darkroom because it was becoming extinct (I so loved it). My nature is impulsive and I did not think that Photoshop would work for me. I honestly can’t remember exactly how it happened. However, it started with an interview by Joanne with Daniel Berman. I then hustled to figure out how to go on Joanne’s FLCKR site. I then found Roger Guetta’s abstract site on Facebook..It all grew from there.
What is the most unusual subject you have photographed
I guess I would just go back to that little safety pin story from question number one. It was the most mundane, and humbled image that led to an amazing phone call.
What are your favourite accessories for mobile photography
I use my android smartphone, natural lighting, iPad Pro, APPs, and no other accoutrements.
Describe your dream Photography assignment
I would love to have plethora of unique human beings who would love to be photographed …. and would have no issues with how they were imaged in my artwork.
What does Mobile Photography /Art mean to you?
Mobile photography is a completely new way of creating images through the use of applications. It has so many possibilities that it can overwhelm. As a painter with a canvas, one has to learn the tools to become a professional…or one can just have fun and release some tension. Our social network is unique to the artwork…It is like being in school, learning from one another, and being connected to the whole planet of image makers. It will not disappear but, continue to develop and grow as the world becomes more digital and beyond digital.
Contact Details
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Joanne Carter
Joanne Carter is a British photography journalist, editor, curator, and the founder of *TheAppWhisperer.com*, one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to mobile photography and art. Since its launch in 2009, TheAppWhisperer has become an international hub for artists of all levels to discover, learn, exhibit, and engage with contemporary photographic practice.Built on principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and artistic excellence, Joanne has spent almost two decades championing mobile photography as a serious artistic medium. Through interviews, critical essays, exhibitions, competitions, and education, she has helped shape and document the evolution of mobile art on a global scale.Her work has taken her internationally, lecturing on photography and mobile art at institutions and events including the Museum of Art in Seoul, South Korea, alongside appearances in the UK and Europe. She has served as a juror for international photography and mobile art awards across Portugal, Canada, the United States, South Korea, Italy, and the UK.Joanne is also the founder of *TheAppWhispererPrintSales.com*, one of the first online galleries dedicated exclusively to collectible mobile art, connecting artists with collectors across Europe, the United States, and Asia.Before founding TheAppWhisperer, Joanne worked extensively in print journalism and photographic publishing, including roles at a paparazzi photo agency and as deputy editor of a leading photography magazine. Her freelance journalism, criticism, and commentary have been published widely in both the UK and the US, with bylines in *The Times*, *The Sunday Times*, *The Guardian*, *Popular Photography*, *NikonPro*, *DPReview*, *Which?*, *Vogue Italia*, *LensCulture*, the *BBC*, and more recently, the *Financial Times*, where her published letters on photography continue to contribute to wider conversations around the medium.Alongside her editorial and curatorial work, Joanne’s own photographic practice has been exhibited internationally across the UK, Europe, South Korea, and the United States. Her work increasingly explores themes of grief, loss, death, memory, and the body.Her current research interests centre on grief, death, and poverty, with forthcoming postgraduate study leading towards doctoral research in these areas.Joanne is currently developing new long-form writing and photographic projects and is available for commissions, editorial projects, speaking engagements, and collaborations.Contact: joannetheappwhisperer@gmail.com)
One Comment
Tracy Mitchell Griggs (aka themobilemind)
Totally unique – like the minimalism