Mobile Photography & Art – ‘Intimate Interview’ with Fleur Schim from Leucadia, California, United States

Veterinarian. I collected stray cats. I had pet rabbits and ducks, and a parakeet, along with cats and dogs. Gratefully, my father was an animal lover, who supported my early passion.

Fastest runner at my elementary school.

Summer volunteer at a facility for Autism.

Primary school was at a teaching facility attached to the University of Miami; A teaching laboratory. I went to public school, thereafter.

I graduated University of Miami, where I began my studies in art history, ceramics, and anthropology.

My mother was my first mentor, as she regularly immersed me in the arts: galleries, museums, ballet, Shakespearean comedies and tragedies. Our house was covered in contemporary art that she collected. She also encouraged me to study art history in Florence, while in college.

My husband, Jack, continues to be my artistic mentor and muse. We inspire each other and collaborate. His curiosity is boundless and contagious! As an undergrad, I took a photography class at the university, because he did. My first iphoneography exposure was a result of his ongoing interests, at a photo seminar on Molokai, 2016: Creative Photography for the Soul. I did not even know that mobile art was a thing! This opportunity was where and when I had the pleasure of meeting many great talents, including Jack Davis, Lynette Sheppard, Dewitt Jones, and Robin Robertis.

That primal experience opened my eyes to my own creativity. Many other talented individuals who I met at subsequent Creative Photography seminars inspired me. I follow and am virtual friends with incredible artists on Instagram, TheAppWhisperer, New Era Museum, and Flickr. I collect and display some of their art in my house.

I hike or powerwalk three miles every day, with my husband or alone. Being in nature affords me the opportunity to enjoy the views. Many of my images are captures from my walks. I am grateful for my many travel opportunities where I capture daily life, street photos, and scenic vistas along my walks.

I have always had an eye for beauty. My childhood was spent in museums and galleries, as that was my mother’s passion.

I am fortunate that I am able to follow my passions and explore my creativity through travel exploration, mobile photography, and cuisine.

I create images. I enjoy exploring my vision. I am always pleasantly surprised when my art receives recognition. I enjoy challenging myself to push my artistic self. I have fun! That is what matters.

I was very politically committed during the Vietnam war. I attended rallies and marched as part of a larger social movement. It was a very exciting time.  Now, I am aware of the turmoil in my own and other countries, but am not excited about participating, other than voting and staying intellectually involved.  

I find my art keeps me centered, when the rest of the world is in flux.

I do not need nor want anything. I live in a lovely community where the weather is almost always perfect. I have all the creature comforts that we have accumulated over a 46-year marriage. All I desire is more time to spend with my family. All I want is continued good health for my husband, children, grandchildren and myself.

Traveling! I enjoy traveling, a lot. I am always working on another itinerary, to another destination. I am fortunate that my husband’s work takes us to wonderful, and exotic destinations. I also really enjoy staying in beautiful hotels and eating delicious cuisine.  I am very grateful that my husband shares these passions.

My beautiful home makes me very happy. It is an eclectic gallery of art, including beautiful rugs, paintings, photographs, serigraphs, and etchings. Both my husband’s and my imagery is also displayed.

I love to walk around the yard and view the flowers, their colors, and textures of my plants. I enjoy ending the day on the patio, with my husband, chatting and drinking wine. I also love to travel and experience other cultures, cuisine, and capture the views. But, there is no place like home. My happiest place.

My biggest ambition is to push my image making creativity. The bonus of this is self-satisfaction, centreing, greater happiness and calm.

I get inspired by other artist’s images on mobile photography sharing sites. I look forward to seeing what various artists create each day. This challenges and pushes me. It is like I ‘riff’ off their creative energy. My creative process is what drives me.

Not letting fear create roadblocks to my happiness and success. If I decide I am strong, talented and capable, then I will allow myself to be open to new ideas and challenges. This new ‘lens’ to view myself creates ever-expanding opportunities for self-exploration through creative art.

Closed mindedness. Fear.

Judgmental attitudes towards ideas they are not interested nor understand. People who are dismissive and disrespectful regarding other’s who are different. People who are not open to change.

She would wonder how that shy, quiet Fleur morphed into a strong, self-assured, creative, exciting artist!!!

No idea! The question should be changed to “what have you lost that you wish you still had?” Then, unfortunately, I have a list of dear family and friends who are gone. I have memories of people, not things.

Changing the mindset of our fear-mongering society. It is very disturbing to witness so much hate and violence.  I can only hope that we as a society can evolve and become kinder, gentler and a more loving and inclusive society.

I prefer a more here and now concept that one should be the best person, possible.

I am currently trending on ten! I have a great life. I am healthy, and in a wonderful, loving, and supportive marriage spanning almost forty-six years. I am grateful that I have a husband who encourages my creative interests including art, cuisine and travel. I am fortunate that I have a wonderful family, and am able to share precious moments with them. I am able to do anything I really want to do.

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