The Creative Director of Installation Magazine Garet Field-Sells shares a selection of work from his recent Angle and Multiple series that accentuate the fluidity of the human form.
Why did you decide to pursue your artistic practice on the West Coast?
The most facinating element of Los Angeles, to me, is how different each neighborhood is from each other. I can find inspiration around every corner as much as I can find calm natural environments minutes from my home. It took leaving California after film school, moving to New York, and then moving back for me to really appreciate what this city offers. I love the spirit of the work that is born in Los Angeles… simply, I feel at home.
Why not New York?
New York was my creative source and is forever my second home. I developed my aesthetic in that city and I was inspired daily. You can find the most delicious food at tiny places scattered around the Lower East Side. You can dive deep into the fashion and art community. You can learn so much from strangers. I hussled my way through it all, struggled with a couple dollars in my pocket, had support from new friends, and found great success. One October 2008 day, I woke and felt a severe missing element in my life, and I knew at that very moment, that something was calling me back to Los Angeles. I booked a ticket to LAX the same day to leave the very next day! When I arrived, everything that I was waiting for – was actually waiting for me. I believe some people, including me, need pivotal changes in their life in order to grow, become more enlightened and fearless. L.A. was literally calling me, and four years later, I’m grateful I answered.
What do you find distracting about your urban environment?
The lack of immediacy or timeliness is somehow intrinsic to the West Coast culture, generally speaking. It’s a funny stereotype that is mostly untrue but I do think it specifically exists subconsciously if you choose to believe it or not. I run my own business, work freelance, and end up working 80+ hours a week and constantly tied to deadlines. However, making plans with good friends can be pretty hard sometimes. It ebbs and flows because L.A. lacks a connected underground traveling network. It’s so easy to meet over a coffee or quick get-together in New York, while it takes much more planning to coordinate travel plans in Los Angeles. The hilarious SNL skit The Californians mocks it, but the city is just really spread out. It’s ironic however, that while driving here and in traffic, I usually have the most clarity and can really focus on everything quite easily.
What do you feel is unique to your city?
5:45 to 7:45 pm, depending on the time of year; “the golden hour” turns everything the most overwhelming shades of yellow orange. I instinctively look out my window just to see that view everyday.
What do you find most appealing about New York?
Taking the Staten Island ferry, standing on the edge of the rail looking back at the city, and taking moments like this to realize how much energy and life exists in a relatively compact space. L.A. offers many moments of reflection, so when you have a chance to slow down in N.Y.C., its magical.
What artists have influenced your practice the most?
With a cinematography education, my appreciation has always been towards the skillful control of light. I respect Sølve Sundsbø for pushing limits, Miles Aldridge for modern beauty, Liz Collins for sensuality, Stéphane Sednaoui for imagination, Perter Lindbergh for classic style, Aaron Siskind for experimentation, Robert Frank for humanity, Edward Weston for fine detail, Eugéne Atget for his traveler’s eye and Helmut Newton for just being the prolific man that was Helmut Newton. THE 20+20 PHOTOGRAPHY ISSUE Garet Field-Sells is featured within Installation Magazine’s special 20+20 Photography Issue, which highlighted 20 Los Angeles and 20 New York City photographers. Download the full issue on your iPad and iPhone.
Images courtesy of the artist