Mobile Photography & Art – ‘Hope in Adversity Interview’ with Fleur Schim from from Leucadia, California, United States
I am currently shielding for twelve weeks and in my home, we have all had to make adaptions to adjust to this pandemic, although, at least, currently, we are all well. I’ve been recalling many of the good words our dear friend and talented artist Carolyn Hall Young shared with us, not least ‘in any given situation we can always choose, hope over fear‘ – let’s all choose hope.
I am aware there are many others also in a similar situation at the moment and I felt it would be a good idea to create an interview, reflecting these times with stunning imagery. This is a new series of interview with mobile photographers and artists discovering what they’re creating and how in these difficult times. Our fifteenth interview is with talented mobile photographer, Fleur Schim from California, United States. This is an interview that embraces the natural resources of nature itself. It’s an example of what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku which translates to ‘forest bathing’. There are a host of psychophysiological benefits to be gained from merely being, passively, in natural versus urban settings. Enjoy!
If you are social distancing or social isolating at this time, are you using any additional time you may have to create mobile digital art or photography?
I am both social distancing and isolating, currently. I live with my husband, Jack. Unfortunately, as a result of my distancing and isolation, I am unable to visit with my two adult children, nor three grandchildren.
However, I am an avid walker. I live in a beautiful community, and hike every day, mostly by myself, in a nearby canyon or other trails, occasionally on the beach. While I enjoy occasional company, I am used to being alone on the path. I enjoy my alone time, as these moments are for enjoying nature and seeing beauty. I use this “opportunities” to take mobile photographs of the scenery, including landscapes, clouds, silhouettes, and macro details of plants. I find that when I am alone, or with my husband, who is also a photographer, I slow down my pace and really notice the scenes.
If so, have you noticed the style of art that you’re creating changing from what you would normally create?
I experiment more with new or less used apps. I think my style has become more contemplative. I am mindful of these stress-free moments of creativity when I seek out beauty.
If yes, to the above, can you explain how your art has changed?
In addition to my long walks, I am spending more time in my yard. I have an extensive collection of succulents, aloes and agaves. Very colorful flowering plants are blooming now; so many shapes and textures. The weather, including a lot of rain, has created a visual feast of color. I am taking more time to view and enjoy the brilliance in plant growth.
Have you found additional inspiration to create at this time?
I am more sensitive to my environment, as I am now limited and limiting my scope. I notice that the weather conditions influence how I edit my images. If the sky is overcast, and the lighting is reduced, I create more moody interpretations through app filters. I might sense that an image might be better suited as a watercolor or painting, or perhaps black and white, or sepia. My mood is influenced by my environment which plays into my creative process.
Is creating mobile digital art/photography, helping you at this time specially, how and why?
Creating mobile digital art has always been very healthful for me. More so, now, as I find it fills a loneliness void since I am isolating. I find solace in my artistry. I find myself more engrossed. This is a wonderful consolation in this time of distress.
Do you feel that sharing mobile art/photography at this time is spreading a unity of peace?
Sharing my images both inspires and calms. I am a part of a wonderful, inclusive artistic community. We stay unified and connected through our art. I am constantly inspired by other’s art, and love to reinvent myself through interesting styles and approaches.
In addition…
Finally, thank you, Joanne, for your sensitivity and inclusiveness. I love the creative outlets that you provide for sharing our passion. They are both inspiring and educational. They enhance my artistic process for the pure joy of creating!
Please read…
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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)
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