Unraveled Expert Artist Interview | Caroline Fisher
As our community grows, we love seeing who our leaders become. Our leaders are those who step up, put themselves out there, answer questions, inspire others, and work hard. We believe that every single student at the Academy has the potential to be a leader, it is just a matter of being brave and vulnerable enough to do so. With all that said, Caroline Fisher, thank you for being a leader here and for applying as an Expert Artist. The moment we saw your gallery submission, we gasped and just KNEW. You belong here, welcome home.
For more inspiration from Caroline:
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Here is Caroline, Unraveled…
What inspires your art?
My son. I have been a photographer for many years and an artist for many more, but it wasn’t until my son was born 8 months ago that I felt I had a true purpose in life. I want nothing more than for him to believe he can do anything and be anything he puts his mind to. For many years, I was discouraged by various people in my life for pursuing a creative career -- not because they didn’t believe in me, but because they thought they knew what was best for me. Something I will always be proud of is discovering my own worth and always pushing myself to limits only I could see. I want to be the crusader for my son that I always wish I had.
What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?
I shoot with a Nikon D750 and my favorite lens is my Sigma Art 35 1.4. It rarely ever leaves my camera.
What other ways do you express your creativity?
My mother is an amazing artist, so from the time I was little I was constantly drawing and painting, but my favorite medium will always be watercolors. I also play guitar, ukulele, and have dabbled with piano. My dream is to learn to play a banjo.
How do you de-stress at the end of the day?
Sitting on my porch, lighting candles, listening to the sound of crickets and cicadas, with a glass of wine (or whiskey) in hand.
What kind of music do you listen to while editing?
I’m obsessed with all indie-folk music, but I like to say anything by Radical Face is the soundtrack of my life.
What is your favorite book?
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. After seeing all the recommendations in the Unraveled community I decided to listen to it on audiobook and I was blown away. I’ve relistened to it several times and plan on doing it again several more. Every creative (no matter what field) should read/listen to this book at least once. I have recommended it more times than I can count.
Name one movie that inspires you.
Into the Wild. More specifically I have always been drawn in by the cover of this film. Sitting on top of an abandoned school bus in the middle of nowhere just resonated so much with this notion of being free from everything holding you back. Also the song Society by Eddie Vedder on the soundtrack really spoke to me.
How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?
It’s something I deal with all the time. I feel like with social media, it can be such a gift and a curse to have thousands of artists work at our fingertips at any given time of day. It’s a struggle I constantly face, trying not to compare myself to the amazing photographers of the industry. When I find myself getting too sucked in, I try to disconnect completely and remember why I started on my creative journey in the first place; to create beautiful art that speaks to my soul. Then I do just that. Exploring new places is one of my favorite, most therapeutic things to do, so I’ll find a new spot and create something that inspires me. I’m super grateful for one of my closest friends who is always willing to venture off with me at the drop of a hat anytime I need a creative boost.
What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?
The most difficult part of my journey was deciding that being a photographer was truly my life's purpose. Before I took the plunge, I had a good job at a reputable company, but I was so unbelievably unhappy. I could see in the distance where I wanted to be, but I saw no path there with the lifestyle I was living. In a one month period I decided to leave my job, leave an abusive relationship, move back in with my parents, stopped speaking to a large majority of my friends, and I went on a deep soul searching journey. I have never been so depressed in my life, but what emerged from all the rubble was the start of who I really wanted to be. I was done with the bullshit of waking up each day and putting on a fake smile to face superficial acquaintances at a job that I hated with every fiber of my being. I was done putting up with relationships and friendships that didn’t inspire me and didn't make me want to become a better person. I was done living a life that didn’t matter and didn’t make a difference to this world. I knew I had so much more potential and so much more to offer. So I dove straight in. I took my hobby photography business and I made it my mission to learn everything about the industry. I’ve made so many mistakes along the way and I have had so many times that I just wanted to give up and never pick up a camera again, but all those hardships only made me stronger. Everyday I am so thankful that I kept going when I wanted to give up most. As an introvert, photography has been a way that I can truly express my emotions and share my vision with the world. Being able to touch others lives with my art has been the most rewarding gift I could ever experience.
Who is one of your favorite photographers?
Phew. That’s a tough one. I could go all day naming the photographers that inspire me on a daily basis, but I’ll take it back to Sally Mann who was one of the very first photographers whose art really spoke to me. I was in a photojournalism class in college when I was first introduced to her work and ever since that moment, I knew I wanted to create art that evoked even a sliver of that same kind of emotion.
