When I’m creating, I’m always trying to find stories in stories.
I’m a person that often has too much inspiration instead of having to go and search for it. Very often my works grow in the process of creating, making it useless, working with all sorts of ideas and concepts…. The materials I’m using for my works for example, often have their own rules and limitations and have a strong mind of their own. Sometimes it’s good to recognize that and be open for it and to say goodbye to your beloved concepts. EJ.
I met Elza Jo a couple of months ago, when I shot her for a photo-series I’m working on. She is one of the most talented Dutch photographers around and has works published in magazines like Blend, Dazed & Confused, Vice magazine and Volkskrant magazine and has had various exhibitions in cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Miami and New York. Her works are highly creative and original, she’s way more than a photographer to me, combining photography with graphic design and 3d-techniques. Using all sorts of materials, like glitters, felt and markers to create her art-works. And now I’m happy she wants to answer some questions for this interview.
What’s your reason for doing the things that you do? Do you ever have doubts in this process?
I cannot recall, ever having doubts about the choices that I make. But at the same time, I never really chose to follow the path I’m following. Most things in my life just happen to me, working out quite organically. I can really say, I’m very confident about which path to follow most of the times. But sometimes things just happen and coincedence will be your guide.
What has been the road to your succes? Where do you get your inspiration and have you always stayed true to your personal way of thinking?
I guess, following your intuition is extremely important. I don’t believe in ‘the big inspiration thing’.
For me, inspiration is something you breathe in when you’re riding your bicycle and wine-bottles are full with it.
But I do have a certain group of mentors, a group of people I meet up with, when I’m in my every-year creativity depression. Having the idea I’m running in circles with my works, pulling the same trick all the time.
I think it is important to have people around you, whose advice you trust and who can help getting you back on track.
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Do you believe you deserve the succes you’re having and could you describe, what it is, that makes your works good.
Uhmm, I never really think about the thing called ‘succes’. The succes-aspect is very relative to me. At one point you’re happy and proud to be asked to do a certain job, and the next moment the novelty about it is over, making you continue, trying to take the next step.
I really see the things I’m doing as my job and do think, I have to continue to grow in doing what I do. What’s very important, is to find the right podia for your works.
Do you remember the first photo that you took?
I was always drawing in my young years, on everything I came across, always! I only started doing photography on the academy (KAKB). But I always loved messing around, niggling, when it wasn’t for my works, I would still be doing that.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I see loads of interesting works from the people surrounding me. A good class motivates, you always try to do better than your fellow students. No I can’t say I’m having a lack of inspiration. But I do think it’s important to do good research on the projects you’re working on.
Can you name some works you’ve been working on lately, that turned you into a happy Elza?
It’s hard for me to name only one thing. But I do get a turn on, when working on several types of projects push me into a different way of thinking and take me to a next level.
As a result, the process of creating is way more interesting for me, than the final result.
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Okay, enough fun for now! Time for some serious questions!
How’s your cat doing? I see his pictures popping up on the internet everywhere, what’s his opinion on this?
My cat one time earned me a couple of months on rent, because of selling works featuring him.
That turned me into a proud woman!
In ‘cat-years’ he’s old enough to work for a living, so ethically speaking, there’s nothing wrong with it,
if you ask me!! So now that he’s grown all fat from his wealthy lifestyle, we will be working on a Santa Claus series… (SCOOP!)
When I was searching for information regarding you, on the internet, I stumbled upon the Dutch artist ‘Jo met de Banjo’, is he family of yours?
Yes he must be. Because I do have this big-time affinity with country and western music, and was wandering how this came……
Elza Jo telling us about her affinity with ‘country and western music’…? Wtf…!?
A good reason to stop this interview!
But hey, thanks Elza!
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Check out her works on:
www.elzajo.com
www.cokkiesnoei.com
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