We recently met in Berlin's trendy Prenzlauer Berg while she was on a short trip around Europe. The idea was to sit in a real Berlin summer "beer garden" but Zeus changed our plans and we settled in one of the many chic cafes in the area. These are some of the highlights of our conversation.
What made you decide to become a photographer?
Julian, my partner is a huge influence in encouraging me to be more creative. I went to college not sure what I wanted to do. After graduating, I realized I love art, especially photography.
How did you start and what is your philosophy?
Well, I just went back to school for advertising design because you can make art and make money at the same time. Part of our course work was coming up with ideas, like how to put two things together and make something completely different. I had these ideas and I wanted to show them. At first I was a little embarrassed about my work because I felt it wasn't that good. But I read that you have to get your bad ideas out there first before the good ones come. You just have to do it to keep moving forward. So that's the philosophy I have.
I didn't really tell anyone that I was doing it that way at first because it was like another side of me. But after some time, others started to find out. I developed and grew very slowly as it was kind of a passion project. I also don't want to put a lot of pressure on myself because I want it to be fun. I want it to be more of a passion of mine than just something I have to do to make money.
What do you use Instagram for and what does it mean to you?
I use this platform to share and showcase my work, but for me it's more like a community. It's a great way to connect with people and feel like you're not alone.
Who are your three favorite Instagrammers?
Aleksandra Kingo, @aleksandrakingo from London. Jessica Walsh @jessicawalsh , she's an art director and one of my biggest inspirations. Nicolle Clemetson @nicolleclemetsonstudi o from Portland. I messaged her once because after watching her tutorial video I had a few questions and she told me if I was in Portland we should definitely meet up. It was really crazy that one of my biggest idols was willing to talk to me.
You are currently traveling around Europe. What do you take home from your travels? Can we see that in your work?
Absolutely. One of my biggest inspirations is street art. I just love seeing different kinds of artists, going to art museums. When you're in a new place, so many fresh ideas come in. When you're at home, you can kind of get in your own way. New ideas and traveling, on the other hand, are so enlightening and refreshing.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I often feel like a painter with photography and editing, for example when I highlight something and do the fine tuning. I find a lot of inspiration in female painters. I love Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keeffe - both are very individual and different and have a strong voice. I get a lot of inspiration from female artists and painters. I find Annie Leibovitz particularly impressive, she has had a big presence since the 70s.
What are your plans for the future?
I'm trying to learn more technical photography skills because I've been very conceptual up until now. For @dizzydisco, I plan to keep coming up with new ideas, posting things, growing, and spending my time using the feed more like a creative output. And for my professional photography website www.dizzydisco.com , I want to get better technically, learn to work better with clients, and hopefully eventually build my own studio.
Why the name @dizzydisco?
Actually, my brother had the idea. I love the 70s and if I had to choose an era to grow up in, it would probably be the 70s. So, dizzydisco just came up, it sounded good and so the decision was made quickly. Sometimes I still wonder if it would have been better to use my real name, but I really like dizzydisco and it's catchy.
One last question: What do you like most about Berlin?
Art is everywhere in the streets. And the feeling of pride, the political interest and the willingness to stand up for something that is important to Berliners (e.g. anti-Google signs in the neighborhood). People have a voice, they are heard. They are so passionate about what they have and they want to keep it. It's kind of refreshing. Also, Berlin has a very interesting history and it still feels kind of alive. A week after I was born, the Berlin Wall fell and that's crazy to think about. It's a very interesting place because of the history.
