In keeping with the magazine mission to support and inspire creativity, they ask the artists they collaborate with to offer insight into their work, a look behind the scenes, and the opportunity for the readers to learn more about the process. For this fashion feature, photographer Jack Belli answers their questions.
Discover the interview at the end of this page.
Interview by Jonathan Shia to Jack Belli:
How do you typically find inspiration for your work?
JB: I find that the best inspiration comes when you aren’t really looking for it. Whether it’s a sentence from a book or the way someone walks down the street. I’ve found that the simplest, everyday moments can spark a thought or idea for a photograph.
How do you see your work evolving in the coming years?
JB: For a long time, I put constraints on myself creatively. I felt like I had to stay in my lane and was hesitant to deviate from it. Over the past year, I’ve been slowly letting go of that belief and choosing instead to follow what interests me and feels right in the moment. I get bored doing the same thing over and over again. I’ve found a new joy in photography by letting go and having a looser approach to making work.
Is there anything you’re experimenting with or hoping to explore in your future work?
JB: My journey in photography has not been linear, it took me a long time to find my voice and what felt true to me. What I am learning for myself is that there is no formula that works for everyone. Instead of trying to take the photographs you think people will like, now more than ever I just want to make work that I resonate with and enjoy the process.
How would you describe the style of your work?
JB: I don’t like clutter. Within an image or in my life. When things are messy I sometimes have a hard time seeing the point of view. Currently it’s an awkward smile or an in-between pose. At one point it was to strive for perfection but then I got bored.
JB: I find that the best inspiration comes when you aren’t really looking for it. Whether it’s a sentence from a book or the way someone walks down the street. I’ve found that the simplest, everyday moments can spark a thought or idea for a photograph.
How do you see your work evolving in the coming years?
JB: For a long time, I put constraints on myself creatively. I felt like I had to stay in my lane and was hesitant to deviate from it. Over the past year, I’ve been slowly letting go of that belief and choosing instead to follow what interests me and feels right in the moment. I get bored doing the same thing over and over again. I’ve found a new joy in photography by letting go and having a looser approach to making work.
Is there anything you’re experimenting with or hoping to explore in your future work?
JB: My journey in photography has not been linear, it took me a long time to find my voice and what felt true to me. What I am learning for myself is that there is no formula that works for everyone. Instead of trying to take the photographs you think people will like, now more than ever I just want to make work that I resonate with and enjoy the process.
How would you describe the style of your work?
JB: I don’t like clutter. Within an image or in my life. When things are messy I sometimes have a hard time seeing the point of view. Currently it’s an awkward smile or an in-between pose. At one point it was to strive for perfection but then I got bored.
Styling: Scott Shapiro
Style Asst: Emma Lerch
Model: Lexy Hearn / Supreme Mgmt
Art Direction: Leila Bartholet
Hair: Ledora / Born Artists
Mup: Sena Murahashi / MA+ Group.
Style Asst: Emma Lerch
Casting: Sheri Chiu
Exe Producer: Francesca Valente
Production Co.: 102 NYC