“Fashion always inspired me, and I would love to collaborate with a company like Prada, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, Chanel, Tiffany and many others.”
Interview with ALEX GUOFENG
-As a child what did you want to become (profession-wise)? I wanted to become a writer.
-In which town did you grow up? I grew up in New York City.
-Do you think your background influences your current photography/artistic style? If so, what specific element in your background is most pervasive in influencing your current photography/artistic style?
I grew up reading lots of poetry and literature masterpieces, and books about beautiful and classical images also fascinated me. I think that somehow, whatever you do, it always goes back to what you grew up with that influences you profoundly.
-What inspires you in the job of being a photographer?
The creativity inspires me.
-Do you have any other creative ambitions or dreams to which you aspire?
I am always fascinated with ancient sculptures. I would love to create some timeless and beautiful sculptures.
-Which basic elements of creativity did your family teach you?
My family taught me simplicity and elegance.
-How did you get the idea for this type of photography?
The Art of Pompeii, with the beautiful mosaic murals from that time period, inspired me.
70 | Eyes in -Do you have a favorite photographer?
Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, David Baily, Robert Mapplethorpe, and many others are favorites.
-Are you ever afraid you will run out of inspiration and creativity in your job?
NOT AT ALL. Life is experiential, filled with creativity and inspiration. It never ends.
-What is the most fun part of your job? Creativity and endless possibilities are very fun.
-Do you expect your way of creating photography to change in the future?
Change is always good, but the fundamentals never change.
-Do you embrace the changes in the photography industry regarding social media and digital magazine outlets?
It is wonderful to see the revolutionization of digital media, to just embrace it.
-Do you like art? Do you have any preferences for an artist? And/or for creators of artistic work?
The endless possibilities and creativities in art fascinate me. Da Vinci, Picasso, Tom Ford, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, and Luis Bunel are all favorites. I like to see someone create something new.
-In which way do you think photography, art and design are different and/or similar?
Fundamentally, they are all the same, but all are presented differently in the creative process and in the purpose.