Today we’d like to introduce you to James Maciariello.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
A picture says a thousand words and the sensibilities and predilection of an artist, reflected within their expression is backed by a lifetime of experience. My artistic expression is what I do for a living, so allow me to work backwards a moment and share with you some of my perspective and why I hope this would be echoed throughout my work.
I gained a truly invaluable viewpoint on life from my Mother, who raised me by herself. I learned a lot early in life about sacrifice, need, joy, heartache and a love that knows no limit. We familiarized ourselves with the satisfaction of surviving and the camaraderie born of this struggle. We lived in a small cabin outside Fairbanks Alaska with no running water and no constant source of heat. The threats and challenges in our lives during this period were obvious, but having this childhood presented me the opportunity to realize what I did have—and appreciate it.
I decided to take that opportunity and my appreciation for the blessings that surround me eventually found physical expression through photography. I wish my work to be a testament of the grace God has created within my life and in the world around me.
Please tell us about your art.
I’m a commercial photographer with a rather diverse portfolio. I was advised by a photography teacher in college to specialize, have a niche and photograph it well. That may very well be wise, but personally I found it to be creatively stagnant if not darn near impossible. Photography for me is emotionally cathartic, serving as a visual journal preserving memories of people I’ve met and places I’ve been- many of which wouldn’t have happened without the camera. A few years ago I was assigned to photograph The Wu Tang Clan and former President Jimmy Carter on back to back days! I most certainly treasure the ‘All Access Pass’ photography has provided throughout my career, ha! So I’m grateful, image making, storytelling and story preserving is an incredible gift to be given in this life.
I don’t have to read very much of the news before my soul longs for a breath of fresh air, for something more eternal. I believe beauty has an intrinsic value imprinted on our souls and for the most part, I’ve felt called to seek out and document the beauty that surrounds me. Whether it’s a celebration of love, a wild landscape, the awe inspiring beauty of a genetic lottery winner, or the beauty earned in wrinkles from a life well lived, the things that engage and attract us in life say a lot about why we were created and if nothing else, can be the beginning of a much deeper conversation.
What defines success to you as an artist?
My Mom raised me on her own and for most of one year when I was six, we lived in a white Toyota Tercel held together with duct tape and prayer. Though we didn’t have much money, my Mom was able to buy some film and document our adventure with gorgeous photos. Later on, whenever she asked if I remembered a certain part, I began to realize the only memories preserved were ones kept alive through her photos. That’s success in my book. The intrinsic power of a photograph to stir emotion, initiate introspection, create change and preserve memories fascinates and continuously inspires me. So there’s that, then there’s the reality of scraping up work day after day, endless hours editing, buying equipment that’s often more expensive than several cars I’ve owned and being cool with the idea that many artists aren’t recognized or awarded for their work their entire lives. And none of that can deter you from waking up and doing it over and over, everyday.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Instagram is the best way to keep up with my current work, my page can be found here, https://www.instagram.com/masterworkphoto/.
My commercial photography website has five different portfolios and is a good overall showcase of my work, it can be found here, http://masterworkimage.com. Contact me if you’re in need of commercial imagery, I’d love to be part of your project!
My wedding website can be viewed here, http://masterworkweddings.com. If you’re getting married or know someone who is, I’d love to be part of the celebration!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.masterworkimage.com, www.masterworkweddings.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/masterworkphoto/
Image Credit:
All images, copyright James Maciariello
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