Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Adams.
Kara, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My love for art and photography began when I was growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and started taking photo and graphic design courses in High School. I took that love with me all through college where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Photography from Santa Fe University of Art and Design in New Mexico. I moved to San Diego after graduation in 2014 and have been here ever since. What I love most about photography is the fact that it allows me to tell a story about myself, as well as the world around me. I use photography as an outlet and to help me relax, often during stressful times in my life. Using a camera to capture a piece of the world has always brought me joy and comfort, ever since the first time, I looked through the lens of the sony point and shoot camera I used when I was younger.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Ever since I was little, I loved things like fairy tales, Greek mythology, and other forms of storytelling. I feel like this has been my biggest inspiration when photographing because I am constantly trying to tell a story whether it be something new or something that has been told hundreds of times. Many of the stories I try to tell have to do with valuing the world around us and seeing beauty in everything. This general theme in my work started when I was in college and learning to value myself and also appreciate some of the things around me. I first began this theme with a studio photo series that I named “The Value of Nothing” which I used as a commentary on how we as people place too much value in material things. This photo series was inspired by Greek myths that I have loved since I was a kid, as well as some personal things that had been happening in my life at the time. Over the course of the past few years, my work has shifted from commenting on what we shouldn’t value too much of, to what I feel we should appreciate more. My current project documents the smaller communities along the California coast in an effort to show the beauty of the community itself. While living in California, I have found that there is so much more to the idea of the beach community than meets the eye. There is terrific artwork, fabulous people, and sights that often get missed in the hustle and bustle of the busy seasons. My current project, although in the early stages is about finding the beauty and value in the little details of each community. What I want people to take away from my work is a sense of appreciation for the little things that make this world beautiful. I want people to feel the urge to venture out and find these areas as well as discover new areas for themselves.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I don’t think that the role of artists has changed so much as just become even more important and necessary. Artists have always had the incredible ability to create beauty, spark controversy, and challenge the world’s way of thinking. This is increasingly important with the current United States political turmoil, the increasing number of tragedies in both our country as well as others, and many more disasters happening all around the world. Art is a way of communication, and the artist is tasked with using this to either bring comfort or cause reflection for those who need it. This is important to me as an artist because I try my best to create something that makes people think, but I also try to create something beautiful that may bring someone comfort or joy. The world’s current events have a significant effect on my work because with so much tragedy in the world I have chosen to try and show the beauty that surrounds us.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be seen at my website karatjelmelandphotography.com or on my Instagram @kara.tjelmeland. The best way to support my work is just to share my website and social media with people who may appreciate what I am trying to create. The other way to support my work is to comment or message me when I post something that is well received. The feedback I receive is the most important thing in making sure that I continue to produce work that speaks to people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karatjelmelandphotography.com/
- Email: kara.tjelmeland@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kara.tjelmeland/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraTjelmelandPhotography
Image Credit:
Kara Adams
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