April Vargas, Savannah, GA
Portal by April Vargas
It was a dark, stormy day…
I couldn’t help myself! Just look at that photo! Though, in fact, it was a dark stormy day when I met this angel of talent, April Vargas. I had no idea what I was in for on this rainy Tuesday in Savannah, GA. She graced me with her presence when she came in to House of Strut, a vintage clothing store that I manage as my day job, and the journey of my obsession with her and her work began. I’m hooked.
Her photographic process is so in-depth, meaningful, and intentional that I just had to have her on the Artist’s Studio to share her story. I hope you find her as inspiring as I do, which you will. You’re welcome. Let’s dive in!
Reclaim by April Vargas
In your words, tell me what you create.
I struggle with this question on daily basis! I know that most artists have such a beautiful and life changing answer, but for me it’s really simple: I create because I feel like it’s what I’m meant to be doing. I feel like I have these ideas for a reason and if I didn’t put them into reality, they would fade away into the abyss of forgotten thoughts and dreams.
What’s your first memory of art making?
Honestly, I can’t remember a time where I haven’t created art in some way. I’ve been sketching and painting since I was a child. I attended art school and was introduced to every art form, but I can remember the first time I picked up a camera; it was 6th grade. Truth be told, I was terrible at it! I mean, the worst. Everyone around me excelled and I just couldn’t wrap my brain around remembering all the steps needed to capture one image on a roll of film, until the day I realized that I saw the world from a different perspective then my peers.
“Our assignment was to photograph architecture and while my peers huddled around waited for their turn to shoot from eye level, I realized that I wanted to photograph the building in a way that would make the viewer stand in awe the same way I was.”
I remember laying on the floor and shooting upwards. At first, I was nervous that I might have failed the assignment but, in fact, my image was selected to be published and won awards at the local art shows. After that experience I knew that my passion wasn’t just photography itself but storytelling and foretelling how the viewer might feel while experiencing my work.
How did you find the medium you currently work in? Do you ever switch it up?
I first stumbled on to Conceptual Photography back in 2012 while living abroad with my family in Germany. I was intensely drawn to the incorporation of fine art and photography. I knew that I wanted to create this type of imagery, but really hadn’t put a name to it. I felt like my work finally had a home and I could nurture it and give space to grow.
I do switch it up on regular basis. I often shoot creative portraits, which has become another passion for me. I love to use fractals and prisms. I find it nice to give my mind a break from the pieces that take me months to complete.
Absorb by April Vargas
How do you feel about artists working in more mediums than one? Do you think it’s better for artists to stick with one medium?
You know what, I don’t feel like anyone should judge how another artist chooses to express themselves. Art is freedom and so should be choice. In my opinion, how you choose to let yourself create is your right.
Personally, I would get so damn bored doing the same art every day of my life. I have different ways of creating and it feels right to me! So, I say do whatever makes you happy!
Do you have a degree in art or are you self-taught? If you received a degree in art, did you go straight into art making full time or was it a different journey? When was the “a-ha!” moment where you decided to take on art as a career? Tell me your “I am an artist” story.
I don’t have a degree in art, but I wouldn’t say I’m 100% self-taught. I’ve had incredible mentor’s and fellow artist that I’ve learned from along the way.
“While I wish I would have taken the time to receive a degree, I also know that it doesn’t make me any less of an artist.”
My journey into my current work has sort of trickled in; I’ve been creating it on and off for several years, but only recently within the last three years has it really developed into my preferred artistic expression.
I would say my “a-ha” moment was 2 years ago after arriving at my photo session early in the morning.
“As I carried all my gear through the forest to my chosen location, I stopped and looked up at the tree tops. I watched them sway from side to side as the wind blew through them revealing glimpses of the stars not quite ready to disappear into a new day. I realized that this was 100% my passion. My calling.”
It would have to be, too! Why else would I brave the wilderness alone in the darkness to photograph one image that took one hour to capture? I remembered laughing for a moment then pausing to say out loud, “Yup this is where I’m supposed to be!”
Break Free by April Vargas
Tell me about your creative space. Do you have an in-home studio or do you rent a space? Do you prefer one over the other if you’ve experienced both types of spaces? Is your studio messy or organized?
I rarely shoot my images inside. Most of my work is created out in nature, which I love to incorporate in my work. I do have my workstation in my bedroom so I can have my space while editing. However, I do have plans of building my own studio in the near future in a separate building next to my house.
How do you balance real life and art making? Do you schedule your creative time? Do you create every day?
Balance is hard and no two ways are the same for everyone. My life is hectic and constantly ever changing. It won’t always be this way but, for now, being flexible with my creativity and creating with intention has centered me.
I always try to have a plan before I commit to an image. Having a well thought out plan helps me with time management and focus, especially when it comes to editing my work. I would say that I’m always 75% sure how the image will be edited and composed before I even create it.
If I’m being completely truthful, I don’t really schedule creative time; I’m more of an organic artist. I create when I’m inspired. I’m not against carving out time every single day or week, it just hasn’t appealed to me yet. I know that one day when I have deadlines and commitments that will change, but for now I’m content on my current process.
Emerge by April Vargas
Tell me about your creative process. How do you go about creating a piece from start to finish?
My creative process is sort of long and methodical. I start every image in my journal. I plan out every aspect and detail of my piece before I even start to capture them. I make sure I account for lighting, time of day, colors that I want to use, props, and the emotion I want to evoke.
Even though my process is well thought out, I do allow my work to develop while I shoot. I try to get lost in the emotion and the reasoning behind it. Once I feel like I’ve gotten my shot I sit on the image for a couple of days before I sit down at my computer. I spend time putting all the components together using Photoshop. Once I have the image exactly how I want it, I edit each layer to look cohesive.
“Each edit is different. Some take more time (days or months) while other’s take hours. It all depends and I never try to rush this process.”
Once I feel like my image is finished and I have no desire to retouch it, I set it aside. I will revisit it after a couple of days and if I feel like it still needs to be tweaked, I start the process of final detailing again and give another couple of days of rest. I know this might be redundant, but I want to make sure what I share with the world is a complete, well thought out, executed story and image.
Capture by April Vargas
Do you work on multiple pieces at once?
I don’t really like to work on multiple pieces at once. I try to dedicate myself to starting and completing one image at a time. Although, I do have inspiration for pieces while I work on other pieces. I normally draw them out and then get back to my work then revisit it when I’m done.
What are you currently working on?
An artist never reveals her secrets (WINK WINK). In all seriousness, though, I rarely share my ideas before I have them semi completed. I am throwing around the idea of darkness taking over the light and how I can translate that in my work.
What inspires your work?
Well, I’m inspired by many aspects in the world.
“I do have to say that I find myself drawn to the beauty of darkness and shadows: How we can be free to be ourselves rather than the light where you might feel exposed.”
What is the story behind your work? Why do you create what you create?
Oh, the deep meaning of the story behind my work (PPPHEW)! I honestly sat with this question for a while. I didn’t have the best upbringing. I came from a dysfunctional and broken home. I rarely had the chance to be a child. I would regularly drift off to a land where I felt peace where I could be outspoken, heard, and brave. I would imagine who I would be if my circumstances were different. I created worlds where being strange was praised, where love was power and strength was unlimited. Now that I’m an adult, I see the world a little different. I don’t have to imagine. I live in that world every day because I choose to make it that way. I still love to create worlds where I test reality and overcome the hardships one might face.
“Most of my work embodies the strength to overcome and the struggle it takes to constantly stay strong.”
Pulled Down by April Vargas
What are some of your favorite things that happen during the creative process?
It’s hard to say, really! I love every part of the process. My absolute favorite is when I’ve completed the piece because I know I get to create something new.
How do you feel about social media in the art world?
The dreaded social media!!! I’m going to be completely truthful here; it’s not my favorite part. I hate having to dial in and be present online. I cringe at the thought of it taking me away from real life. I’m a solace person. I love to be in my own mind and to engage with the people that I hold close to my heart.
I know it’s a necessary element, but having balance is so important. I’ve had to learn the hard way these last few years. Although I’ve built priceless friendships in the art world through many platforms, I try not to let myself get wrapped into the thought process of it being the only way I can be social and market my work.
I believe you have to do what feels right for yourself.
“My soul needs a tangible life.”
What message do you hope comes across through your artwork?
That there’s beauty and strength in the vulnerability of the soul. I truly leave a little part of me with every piece I create. I believe if you can look a piece of art work and it captures the soul, then you’ve harnessed the essence of what it means to be an artist.
Why are you an artist?
For all of us it’s because creating is a gift that should not be wasted. We all have the gift of creation in us. It’s what makes us so special.
For me personally, I choose it because I feel like it’s why I’m here.
I can remember when I as little girl being so tuned into emotions. I could feel what people were feeling. I would often slow down and revel in the world around me. I would imagine what the trees must say to one another, or if bees could love each other. I could visualize and feel the world turning as I watched the clouds pass by, and even the power that fire must feel as it consumed the wood in a campfire.
Drawn Out by April Vargas
“I’ve always known my soul was different, that my intellect was artistic and free spirited. As much as the people around me wanted to tame it, I knew my soul would always run free.”
Art brings my soul into existence. It gives it a voice.
Well, there you have it, my friends: a photographer that goes beyond the beyond to tell a story. April’s dedication to her vision, commitment to authenticity, and her willingness to be vulnerable enough to show it to the world takes some major boldness that I admire so much. I’m lucky to have met her.
Follow her on instagram to witness her journey because you won’t wanna miss it. She’s gonna conquer it all!