Mobile Photography Intimate Interview with Mary Lorincz from Walnut Creek, California, United States

To be a librarian and surround myself with books. For me, they represented an escape from reality and provided the gateway to a world beyond my reach.

I was a teen when I picked up my first camera, an old 35 mm that had belonged to my father. I was instantly hooked. Never wanting to be ordinary, I began experimenting with different films and techniques. I recreated David’s “The Death of Marat” and hand coloured the image. It won 1st prize at a local photography competition.

My first real job was working as a temp in New York. It was part time work that allowed me to continue going to school. My most interesting assignment was in the 20th Century Art Department at the Metropolitan Museum. I was sent there for an afternoon and stayed on for 7 years – exactly how long it took me to finish my degree.

Both. My family moved around quite a lot so my school experiences were inconsistent and rather extreme. One year I was attending public middle school in one of the rougher neighbourhoods of the Bronx. The next, I found myself at a private all-girls catholic high school in New York. Both experiences were traumatic, but in different ways.

Again both. I was determined to become the first person in my family to earn a college degree. I had something to prove. My family could not help financially, so I had to make my own way. I never gave up on my dream. It took 7 years, but I eventually succeeded.

I was never fortunate enough to have a mentor in my life.  I had to piece things together on my own. I’ve been lucky to know many people who have encouraged and supported me along the way.

I would call myself a work-in-progress. I’m probably more fit now that I’ve ever been in my life. Walking is one of my pleasures and I do it often. I’ve experienced the Camino twice, and hope to go back again.

It depends on one’s definition of success. It cannot be defined by any external measures. True success is the ability to control that narrative, and define it on your own terms, and in your own way.

I consider myself committed, but not necessarily political. I care deeply about the issues of our day and make an effort to stay informed.

I gave up my darkroom many years ago. If I could have it back, I think I would really enjoy pursuing my interest in Alternative Photographic Processes.

I would have to say travel. In my head, I’m always planning the next trip. The anticipation of seeing a place for the first time, learning something about it’s history and culture, is everything to me.

I’ve always tried to create a space that is just my own. A sanctuary of sorts where I am surrounded by beautiful things I’ve collected over the years – objects, photos, books and images that speak to me. This is my happy place.

My ambition in life is to enjoy what I do and surround myself with the people I value and love.

My mortality. A keen awareness of whatever time I have left, and an intense desire to honor it in a meaningful way.

Finding my voice and learning how to make myself happy.

Hypocrisy, Greed, Cruelty and Intolerance.

She would find me unrecognisable. I could never picture any future for myself at that age. I’ve wasted many years along the way, but I think now she would be very proud.

My father’s camera – the only possession he left me after he died. It was stolen from me at knifepoint. I still wish I could have it back.

Acknowledging the destruction of our environment and changing how we live before it’s too late.

I’m still debating that question. I have no religious attachments, but it’s hard to imagine that we simply cease to exist.

I would give myself an 8. I’m pretty satisfied with life, but there’s always room for improvement.

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