Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Yamada.
Evan, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have a dual credential and masters in special education (expiring this year 🙁 ) I worked in the emotionally disturbed world k-12 at Polinkski Children’s Center then 4-6th grade down in the South Bay School District. Eight years of running in the public school arena took its toll on me. I thought I was going to be a lifer in the education system, but I hit my share of roadblocks trying to institute music and art into the classroom. My way out was to be pink slipped (CA teachers get fired then rehired to hit state budget goals), and I knew I had to move on. In my case, I have had instrumental people in my journey to help get me to where I am at today. ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT. I asked my friend for a job and a budget to get camera gear, and I ended up starting my career shooting in Zacatecas, Mexico. I ended up shooting landscape, portraits, in a bull arena and started the dream of getting on a plane to take photos. It’s not that luck found me or anything like that. Since the start of my career, it has always been about relationships and being authentic, flawed, and always asking for help. And helping out others is what led me to work with Cultivator Labs in AZ, and to now Briefcase Studios here in Downtown SD.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My art is a translation expert. To take someone else’s vision and translate that into an image is truly what I love to do. When I was a teacher, I had to create new ways for students to learn the same old things we learned as kids. The creativity that teachers have is very underestimated. In Photography, I try to create new ways to do the same old things photographers have done for years. Don’t get me wrong, I hold no degrees in photography, but I was schooled by some of the best teachers out there for unconventional and experiential life lessons in the field, and have made so many mistakes. When it comes to my own visions, I tend to lean toward the humanity side of things. I did a project that involved myself, Jonathan Smith (Mirum) and Mike Lynch (Creative Priority), going out to take images of the displaced community, with blurred cars in the background. Showing how we just pass by these humans every day when we exit freeways, the malls, and busy streets, not even acknowledging their existence. The project taught me a lot about myself and how I treat others, and I hope the photos have people pause for just a second to look inward at themselves, so their outward actions are just a little bit kinder then yesterday.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
Today’s conditions: Easy access to information. Camera tech has lowered in cost with a high output of quality. The software gives everyone an equal playing field.
I would say that life has progressed for artist’s today. It’s tough to try and “keep up with the Jones'”. The old tried, and true method for artists past (blood, sweat, and tears) has not changed and continues to work. The new progressive style also works great for a lot of people who are savvy to take advantage of it.
I think San Diego is at the forefront of encouraging artists to thrive. We have Beers & Cameras which has taken seven cities by storm and originated here in SD. We also have Creative Mornings that gives a space for artists of several mediums to meet. And we at Briefcase do monthly gatherings to hang and support the local photo and film industry folks. We have such a small community in comparison to LA, SF, NY, and from what I know, we tend to cheer each other on rather than run over our compadres!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Folks can see the work on my website. I don’t have any upcoming shows. Support the work by being kind to others, you never know what happened in a persons day before you run into them, and you can change their day. That’s sappy I know, but true!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.evanyamadaproductions.com
- Phone: 6193520115
- Email: evan@wearebriefcase.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e_yamada/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvanYamadaPhotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvanYamada
- Other: www.wearebriefcase.com
Image Credit:
Cars (shot for Local Motors, AZ), Luggage (shot for Vessel Bags), Girl (shot for Jambu Shoes), all others personal projects
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
