Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Barr, “Skwiz” (nickname).
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
-I was born & raised here in San Diego, Ca. (went to college at UC Santa Cruz and received a B.A. History).
-As a student @ UCSC worked at the college radio station KZSC and created a Underground hip-hop/ comedy called “Ikskwizit Dubbs” (purposely spelled that way). At that same time, I was introduced to my first photography class that was all film (before Digital/phone cameras). I couldn’t afford to buy a camera at the time, so I made it through class with only a point & shoot, and also a disposable camera.
-A few years later, I returned back to San Diego and I’m now actively doing what I truly love.
- A) During the weekdays, I’m a substitute teacher for San Diego Unified School District. 90% of the time I work at the high school where I graduated from at Mira Mesa High School. BTW: It’s really cool to go back and work with your former teachers. “Kind of Weird, but cool!!” lol the other 10% I’m either at Challenger Middle School or Scripps Ranch High School.
- B) And on the weekend, I work as a local DJ @ Altitude Sky Lounge & Werewolf (downtown), The Waterfront (Little Italy) and Saddle Bar (Solana Beach).
- C) My other passion that I truly love is photography (especially Landscape Photography). For me it just feels so-so right and therapeutically soothing for the soul. I have a really busy schedule, so I try and shoot as much as I can mostly during the weekdays. Preferably for sunset or sunrise where the light isn’t so harsh and you get that golden hour glow.
Please tell us about your art.
Most of the photos I tend to shoot are Long Exposure shots. Meaning that I shoot with a slower shutter and it visually shows movement throughout the picture. It can be movement from an ocean wave or even light trails from a moving car. Sometimes you can even use a faster shutter which freezes the movement. Which is perfect for sports or capturing a person’s raw emotions on a field. Everyone’s interprets art differently…. some pictures might move or maybe relate to someone’s story or even emotions.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Oh, I can totally relate, I’m truly an introvert! lol But, I would just put yourself out there. Surround yourself with another artist you can relate to. Meet them through social media, instameets, or even art shows.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Website: www.douglasjbarr.com
Instagram: db_skwizzy
Contact Info:
- Website: www.douglasjbarr.com
- Instagram: db_skwizzy
- Other: doug-barr.fineartamerica.com/
Image Credit:
-The image of me using the camera is from Ramon Nieves.
-And the 8 images I loaded up were all from me.
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.
