Spotlight on.....Nancy J. Parisi

In this interview, I talk to multi-talented Nancy J. Parisi about photography, her annual Red Dinner and her positively radiant personality!

(photo at right: Self Portrait by Nancy J. Parisi)

You make your living as a commercial photographer and you also make photographs as your art. Do you approach the commercial work in a different way than your artwork?
I approach both my commercial and art work in the same way, with a sense of discovery and openness to possibility, you should never presuppose that you have all the answers to a situation. You’re carrying into any portrait/event/art situation a set of tools and knowledge, but there might be something in the room that can be used as a prop, or something there that’s unexpected. I balance knowledge with curiosity, a goal with chance.
How do you balance the two?That’s the great challenge of my world, trying to balance being a commercial photographer and artist. I usually find that artwork is last on my list. I get to a point when I know I must make some artmaking time, without that I can get very frustrated. A lot of what I do is documenting the accomplishments of others, that’s a talent that I have, but I have to remind myself sometimes that I’m an artist too.

How did you get your start in photography?
I fell in love with photography when I was very young, at seven years old. I would make photographs with my father’s camera, until I received my own camera. When I was a young teenager I took a photography class with an artist at a neighborhood community center with a neighbor who was also interested in photography. My friend had a great interest, and not that much passion for the craft. Later, when I was 17 and entering University at Buffalo, that artist was teaching a couple of classes at UB and encouraged me to continue with it, and I did. It was her prompting that got me going – I thanked her years later for her encouragement. I borrowed my neighbor’s father’s old 35mm rangefinder, a beauty, a Zeiss from the 40s. After that I worked to save my money to buy my first 35mm camera, a sturdy and dependable (and inexpensive) Pentax K1000. I wish I still had it, I’m not sure what happened to it. After that camera I became an ardent Nikon user. I’ve collected other, non-Nikon cameras along the way. I’m an equipment geek.

What are your other interests?
I’m also a writer, a journalist. Gardening is a lifelong passion. I love to watch westerns. I'm a Francophile, I love Japan/Japanese culture/art. I like to read biographies, even shorter pieces about historical figures, or celebrities - politicians moreso than pop culture people. I do like to read about rock lore, too. I follow political events, political work is one of my specialties and I love to be immersed in political events.


What is the annual Red Dinner all about?
I started my annual Red Dinner as a sit-down dinner party for a large group of friends. Since I’ve lived on my own I’ve always loved holding parties and feeding people. I sought to, with Red Dinner, make Valentine’s Day a festive occasion for everyone, turning it into a big event rather than a romantic couple’s holiday. I started Red Dinner in 1997, at least that’s the earliest I started documenting the party. I cook all-red food, guests come dressed in red, and I have all-red utensils, plates, and lighting in my home. It’s gotten much bigger over the years, this year I sent out about 100 invitations. This is also the time of year when there’s not that much going on socially – the holidays are a dim memory and everyone is eager for winter to be finished. I hear from people throughout the year that they’re anxious for the party, and have acquired something new and red to wear to it. One thing I always make for the party are my nearly-famous Red Deviled Eggs: deviled eggs mixed with red caviar. It turns the egg yolks a vivid pink and they’re absolutely delicious.


I feel like you have a lot of Buffalo love! Does Buffalo have a starring role in your pictures? Would you live anywhere else?
One ongoing body of artwork is the images that I make of and around grain elevators that are near where my building is located. I never made images of the grain elevators or Buffalo’s industrial landscape until I lived down in the part of the city. I documented the iron bridges before they were demolished, and HO Oats before that was torn down to make way for the inner-city casino. So, yes, Buffalo does have a bit of a starring role. I’ve made work in New York City, when I was in graduate school at Parsons School of Design, and I think it’s easier to make work in Buffalo in some ways. In Buffalo there’s more of a feeling of possibility, there are fewer parameters. But in NY there are more opportunities to be inspired daily, by the energy on the streets, and the amount of arts events. I was between NYC and Buffalo for about four years which seems to have confused some people in Buffalo who knew I’d gone to NYC for school. There was a lot of presumption that I’d relocate to NYC. I was drawn back into Buffalo full-time because of my work in Buffalo, my friends, and family.


What projects are you working on right now?
I’m always working on two photo series – of Buffalo’s industrial spaces, exteriors, as well as a body of still life work. That latter work happens in my studio and in many instances involves small objects that I find out in the city, as well as organic forms that I acquire for the shoots, like flowers of certain significance. I’m also entering this next incarnation of Beyond/In Western New York, which has a theme this year. I’m also always making work for various members’ shows and for arts organizations’ benefit parties like Artists & Models, and Squeaky Wheels’ Peep Show. Those are interactive pieces that involve revelers, and are more complex. But those public interactive works are approached just like any other arts project – with a set of goals that are very intricately thought through but again I’ll be open to change or having to modify an idea if the space or situation necessitates it.


What is a typical week like in your life?
Hectic.

What is your creative process?
I do a lot of sketching of ideas, I also love to draw. If I can’t get to the studio to make some artwork I’ll make sketches so I won’t forget ideas that popped into my mind.

What inspires you?
I’m always looking at artwork by other people. I take frequent trips to NY to get inspired, it’s a must for me, to spend days going from show to show and I take notes on what I see as well as what ideas come to me when looking at others’ work. I get ideas when I’m walking, looking through magazines, and talking to people.

What books, teachers, other photographers, mentors, etc., have had the most influence on you as a photographer?
All of my photo teachers, profs have inspired me. I studied at UB with Marion Faller, Tyrone Georgiou, Nathan Lyons. At Parsons I was most inspired and encouraged by my mentor Jim Ramer. I like to share thoughts with some other artists as well as photojournalists. Sometimes I’m more excited to speak to other photojournalists, we share ideas and tips more readily, as well as exchange information about VIPs, venues, and situations that we were in.

I have always experienced you as an exuberant and positive person, do you have a philosophy of good living you can share?
I think it’s important to embrace gratitude, gratitude for oneself, one’s talents, friends and family. I wake up every day and say to myself “Attack the day with joy.” I’ve had hard and dark times but am even grateful for them as they made me stronger and tested who I am. I believe it’s better to give than to receive, my nature is to be joyful and generous. I have learned to spend more time with those who are positive and loving, it doesn’t make sense not to do that because life is precious and brief. I’m always feeling that I need to do more, that I need to accomplish more, and push myself more. I like to always talk to people because I believe everyone has a story to tell. There isn’t enough listening in the world.

What is your dream project?
I’m happiest when I’m on the move, my dream project would be to be commissioned to make portraits of people in a historically or politically charged or changing place. A place that needed to be documented to help with a cause. And to be asked to document because someone recognized my talent and would be hands-off about letting me tell the story. I’ve done a bit of this type of project but would like to do more: shooting and writing while traveling.

What does photography mean to you?
I believe photography is one of the most important human inventions, and I think it’s magical in the way that it works (analogue and digital), and the power that it has. Given a choice, I’d always prefer to look at photographs over any other medium.

Nancy J. Parisi has been a practicing, full-time photojournalist, and journalist for over two decades, specializing in events, political work, and portraits. She’s a regular contributor to Buffalo Spree magazine and writes biographical and lifestyle features. Nancy attended University at Buffalo where she crafted an arts management curriculum via Black Mountain College II, while earning an Honors English Department B.A. and an unofficial photography minor. In 2005 she completed a Masters of Fine Arts degree at Parsons School of Design (a division of New School University in Manhattan), as part of their first-ever class earning that degree at the school. For fifteen years, Nancy created a photo essay column, What Has Happened, centering on Buffalo’s cultural life, for Artvoice, where she was photo editor. When not working on deadlines, Nancy works on three ongoing bodies of work: green spaces in Manhattan, the industrial landscape of Buffalo, N.Y., and intimate studio portraits of lush organic objects with or without models. She also draws, and writes poetry.

Thanks Nancy!

Spotlight on.....Amy Meza Luraschi

Laundry, Photo by Amy Meza Luraschi.

I am very excited because some of my interviewee's answers are now starting to roll in to my inbox! Here is an interview with my friend Amy Luraschi: talented photographer, teaching artist and friend since high school. Amy and I spent countless hours in Mr. Morris's Photography class and hanging out in the darkroom and studio during study hall and after school. We lost touch for awhile but the craziness that is Facebook put us back in touch with each other-- and I am so thankful for that!!

How has your career in photography and teaching unfolded? or How did you get to where you are today?
I have always been fascinated with art ever since I was a little girl. One of my earliest memories was sitting at my grandparents’ desk for hours with a box of crayons and scrap paper. They were very encouraging of my artistic side and proudly displayed my scribbled creations on the refrigerator door. I like to think of this as my first official gallery showing! In high school, I took a photography class on a whim and so began my love affair with it. I was drawn to how empowering a camera can be. It gave me a voice and enabled me the ability to express myself through images. My teacher had a huge influence on me. He was really passionate about photography and encouraged us to explore our ideas to the fullest. He taught me that photographs are so much more than pretty pictures. They can have meaning and tell a story.

I went on to get my BFA in photography and then moved to Chicago. I worked at an art store there for 4 years. I loved working there because I got to meet a lot of creative people. It was fun to help customers with their art projects. However, I started feeling really restless. I knew I didn’t want to work at the art store for the rest of my life. I wanted to start developing a career. That job helped me realize how much I liked working with people one-on-one and that I wanted to become an art teacher. This way, art could still remain an essential part of my life. I wanted to motivate and inspire people just like my high school photography teacher did. I decided to go to graduate school for Art Education and get my teacher certification. After I graduated, I ended up coming back to Buffalo and got involved with CEPA Gallery and MUSE, Inc. I worked at both organizations as a teaching artist. I’d go into public schools and do photography and video projects with kids ranging from 5th grade to high school. Now, 3 years later, I’m the Lead Teaching Artist at CEPA. I do in-school residencies, after-school and summer programs and I absolutely love it! I get to work with kids from all over the city and introduce them to the magic of a camera. It is constantly inspiring. I am always so amazed at the images my kids create. I think it’s so important for them to have a voice and an outlet to express what it feels like to be growing up in the current state of the world. I couldn’t be happier with my career right now!

What photographers, other artists, mentors, teachers, books, artworks, etc. had an influence on your creative development?
The writings of Albert Camou and Rainer Marie Rilke, the music of Jason Molina and Songs:Ohia, and films by Woody Allen and Jean-Luc Godard. The photographers that have inspired my work the most are Cindy Sherman, Nikki S. Lee, Nan Goldin, Adrian Piper, Francesca Woodman, and Lee Friedlander.

How do you get through artist's block?
I try to have a variety of creative projects going on at once. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming to work nonstop on a body of work. I never want it to be forced, so I always welcome the opportunity to do something crafty. I love crocheting, embroidery and sewing. Sometimes, I use these processes in my work. I was obsessed with clouds for a while started making crocheted sculptures. I also embroidered song lyrics about love onto the pockets of sweaters and shirts. Something I’ve found to be really important to avoiding artist’s block is trying to take pictures every day. I’ve been using my cell phone as a way of documenting my daily experiences. For example, I was walking down Elmwood Ave and saw a heart-shaped puddle on the sidewalk. I like how easy and accessible a cell phone camera can be. It’s like having a tape recorder in my pocket,
recording my daily encounters.

What's on your reading list right now?
I’ve been reading J.D. Salinger’s Franny and Zooey.

What artists or artworks are you currently looking at?
I am currently enthralled with the work of Francesca Woodman. Her self-portraits are absolutely stunning and haunting. Her story is tragic because she committed suicide when she was in her early 20’s. Her images always depict her merged into her surroundings.

(Photo: Self Portrait by Francesca Woodman)

What inspires you?
Honestly, my students are the biggest inspiration to me! I am always so amazed at the images they create with black and white disposable cameras. For many of them, it’s their first time using a camera and they want to document every aspect of their life. It’s very inspiring to see through their eyes! My favorite part about teaching is hearing why they took the pictures they did. There is always a sense of genuine pride and excitement.

You just had an exhibit, Apt. Noir, at Big Orbit, how did it go? Did you come away with new insights or feedback on your work?
The show went better than I could have ever imagined! I was so humbled by the turn out at the opening and the number of people that went during the time the show was up. What I enjoyed most about the experience was hearing people’s interpretations of the work. That made the work a success to me. People found humor in the images and others felt it was very emotional. I like that such a duality exists in the work. One of the most interesting comments I heard was that the images seemed provocative and lured the viewer in for more, but they were only allowed in so close before the figure in the image (me), stopped them.

The work you are currently making turns the camera on you as a subject. What are the challenges of making this kind of work?
It is a very vulnerable position to put yourself in. I think that was one of the original reasons why I cropped my head out. Technically, it was difficult because I used a self-timer and had to run back and forth between the camera and my place in the image. I have always been a believer in the happy accident and definitely think chance played a role in these images.

What is your dream project??
Recently, I have had an opportunity to do some curatorial projects. I would love to do more projects like this. I have a friend that takes phenomenal pictures on his walk to work every morning. He sends them periodically and that is as far as they go –my inbox. It would be so exciting to make prints of his work and have them on display or invite others to participate in the same morning ritual that he does. I’m working on trying to make this dream project a reality. Stay tuned!

What are you working on now?
In Apt.Noir, I am in the safe confines of my apartment. Now, it’s time for me to go outside into the world… It’s a gradual submersion for me, so blending into my surroundings seems like the natural next step. Recently, I was inspired by the lyrics in an Iron and Wine song (Love and Some Verses), “May I be weaved in your hair”. I began shooting hairscapes (this is definitely a working title). In these scapes, I have enlisted friends to photograph my hair in various landscapes (The ocean, snow, on concrete steps)… I like the idea of trying to blend in to or becoming a part of the ground.

Do you prefer working with film or digital photography?
For a long time, I would have answered film… I’ve always felt that before you can start making abstract paintings, you must first learn the fundamentals of drawing. Beginning with how to hold a pencil. This enables you to make lines of varied density and thickness. I think the same applies to photography. Before you can really explore the medium, it’s important to learn the process: the history of how it came to be and also the chemical process of how an image is captured on film and how to enlarge a print in the darkroom. I will admit that I am working primarily in digital now because it’s more convenient and accessible, but I am definitely adamant about the importance of teaching black and white film photography.

What is your creative process?
I am always doodling in notebooks or jotting down ideas on scraps of paper. This is usually how my work originates. An important part of my process comes form sharing experiences, bouncing ideas and generating discussions with my friends. I am grateful to have a lot of creative people in my life, especially my boyfriend who is also an artist and teacher. He has been a huge support of my creative endeavors this past year.

Amy Meza Luraschi is a native Buffalonian who received her BFA from the University of Buffalo and her MAT from Columbia College in Chicago. She is currently pursuing her MFA in the Visual Studies Department at the University of Buffalo. Amy is a certified Art teacher for grades K-12 and has taught in Buffalo and Chicago Public Schools. She has also served as adjunct faculty at Niagara University and the University of Buffalo. Amy currently lives in the city and is the Lead Teaching Artist for CEPA Gallery's Education Programs.

Thanks Amy!!!!

Spotlight on.....Lisa Forrest

The new year is upon us and after some careful consideration, I've decided I needed to change things up a bit. I had this really lovely email exchange with my friend Lisa Forrest and she said, "Lauren: why don't you go further with your blog-- interview people.... " She also had a lot of other sage advice- and now my mind is reeling with all the possibilities. It's like a little ball of light opened up over my head and the angels were singing-"aaaaahhhhhhh." Then, there was a "duh, why didn't I think of that?" realization. So- with this post, I'm so thrilled to initiate the first of what I hope to be many interviews with friends.

And of course, because it was her idea, my first interviewee is Lisa Forrest. Lisa and I met at the wedding of a mutual friend back in 2003?.... She sort of rescued me from the doldrums of moving back to a city where I grew up but no longer knew anyone by taking me under her wing and bringing me in to her circle of friends. Among many other things, Lisa is a fantastic creative collaborator, a talented poet and writer, the creator of the Rooftop Poetry Club at Buffalo State College where she is an academic librarian, and a singer/songwriter with the band, Shady Grove. Wintering is the name of her blog.

Tell me about all the different interests you have and how you fit them into your life?
Well, I've been writing mostly poetry since I was around 10 years old. But over the years, I've picked up other interests...I enjoy writing radio commentary (writing to be heard is so different from writing to be read) and I've recently started exploring a bit with the "flash fiction" genre. My biggest love though is music. I started playing the guitar a couple of years ago (the guitar was a gift from my father, who was also a musician and poet in his own right) and decided to teach myself how to sing. So, I've been taking lessons weekly from this beautiful 85 year old woman-- who has given me a singing voice! So, now I write my own songs too. Again, writing songs is completely different than writing a poem-- although I have tweaked some of my poetry into song lyrics. As far as finding time for all of these things: It is a constant struggle (especially when you have a day job)-- but like anything else you deeply care about... you just make it a part of your life. I usually write in the mornings when I'm pumped up on caffeine...and music is done at night when I'm feeling mellow.

What is your writing process?
For poetry, usually something sets me off—once it was a tumble weed going across the 90 E (“This is our love song tumbling”), once it was a pile of logs that looked like bones (‘there are more bones than you can count”)…and from there, I sit down at the computer and take lines from my journals that fit this image somehow. Then I play around with the language on the page—adding and moving and tweaking—for HOURS and DAYS. I read everything out loud a gazillion times over and change it some more. My poem “Wintering” took me about 2 years to get it right.

What is your day-to-day schedule?
I work a full time job as an academic librarian—so that takes up most of my daily schedule. I’m at my best in the mornings, so I wake up early (around 6 am) and use that early-bird energy to my advantage. There’s nothing like early morning solitude. In the warmer months, I like to go for early walks. When I pass other morning birds, we sort of greet one another knowingly…like “yeah, it’s our secret.” People always ask me “how are you so productive?” and I really think part of it is realizing when your best time is to work. Some people are their best at night—whereas I’m usually in bed by 10 pm.

Do you write, sing, research, imagine, ______ every day?
I try and do something creative everyday, yes. Even when I’m crazy busy. While studying to be a librarian, I used to write poems in class (totally influenced by the lectures!). You know how people always bring a travel journal along on big trips? I think everyday should be treated like a “big trip.” You’d be surprised how much material is around us (that seems mundane at first) that can be used in art. Studying language poetry taught me this. If you are struggling to find time for your art, try carrying a journal around with you all the time. It’s all one life—so instead of compartmentalizing when and where you can work on your art, carry it into everything that you do.

What has been your greatest challenge, creatively?
I think I might be experiencing it now! My book “To the Eaves” was published last spring, and since then I’ve been struggling with what to do next. I’ve been working on some new “flash fiction” and I still feel like I’m floundering a bit with it. I’ve also been writing really sad poems all my life, and know it’s time to try something new—but writing outside of that sadness is also difficult for me. I’m doing it—but I am conscious of the need to evolve! Also, learning music has been something that I’ve really had to work at…I love it more than anything…but it is a lot of work. Poetry comes naturally to me, where as learning the guitar and figuring out how to sing is WORK. I take weekly music lessons and practice almost everyday. In the beginning, I wanted to give up (and I think my neighbors wanted me to give it up as well!)…but something (stubbornness) kept me at it. I’m really glad that I persevered through learning those first chords and all of those voice exercises!

What has been your greatest reward, creatively?
I would have to say that would be writing my first song, and then hearing it performed by other people. It’s been really wonderful to write lyrics and put it all to music. I also love singing—but didn’t always have a voice. I’ve been working at it constantly—going to lessons and doing all of these crazy voice exercises- and my voice has really improved. So, I think singing now in my band, Shady Grove, and having strangers come up and say they love my voice. That is really rewarding to me….

It’s also been incredibly rewarding for me to organize all of the community poetry projects that I’ve done—especially the Card Catalog Poetry Project. I love collaborating with other artists and have been so blessed to have so many wonderful artist friends.

Oh, and the book—that was a really wonderful thing to see come to life as well. I’m so grateful to Geoffrey Gatza, who runs BlazeVox Press, for giving me the opportunity to publish my work!

How do you get through bouts of writers block or self doubt-- if you have either?
Hmmm. Wine helps. Or, if I’m nervous before a gig-- a shot of whiskey!

What projects are you working on now and thinking about for the future?
Right now, I’m working with my amazing boyfriend, Andrew Rippeon, on a letterpress project. We’re making a handset book of my bird poems on the “old school” letterpress. He’s such a talented bookmaker, and I am so excited to be collaborating with him. As far as the future goes, I see myself getting into more autobiographical flash fiction. Musically, I’d like to keep going with my song writing, keep working with the band, and also try and to find a duet partner!

How did the Rooftop Poetry Club come into being and where do you want to see it go?
I had this idea to start a poetry club at the library (my way of trying to not compartmentalize my life- but instead bring all of the pieces together!)…and so I called a meeting and found a few supporters. From there, it was just a matter of promoting it. Dennis Reed has been instrumental in creating the Website and doing the podcasts. The club itself has had a life of its own. Poets are always looking for venues, so it has never been hard for me to find readers….If I have an idea for a workshop or project, I just try it! If it doesn’t work out, “oh well”…we try something different next time. All of our past projects are listed on our webpage .

What are you inspired by--how do you feed your creativity?
Nature really inspires me…so taking a walk or sitting by the water usually stirs something up. Being around other artists also helps me to feel more creative. I love my friends—each of them is so unique and full of beautiful energy! And reading really inspires what I write of course. I just finished Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road” and that led me to write a new poem that had sort of the same empty world feeling…reading is important.

What's on your reading list right now?
I have this problem of reading numerous books at one time. So, it takes me a long while to get through an entire book! Right now, I am reading “As I Lay Dying” by Faulkner, "One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, poems by Lorraine Niedecker, and diving in an out of “Swann’s Way” by Marcel Proust.

Who and what have been the most influential people, writers, books and mentors, in your life?
I tend to think that we all take a little piece of everyone we love, if that makes sense. Maybe one person introduces you to the poems of Creeley, and one to the music of Hank Williams….and then there’s someone who says “What! You’ve never had sushi?!” and so on…it’s all life. I’m influenced by it all. Good and bad.

Lisa A. Forrest is a Senior Assistant Librarian for SUNY College at Buffalo and the founding member of the school's Rooftop Poetry Club. She is the recipient of the 2008 Excellence in Library Service Award from the Western New York Library Resources Council (WNYLRC), and a 2007 and 2008 Pushcart prize nominee. Lisa's writing has appeared in a variety of local and national publications, including American Libraries, Artvoice, Buffalo News, eco-poetics, foursquare, Lake Affect, Not Just Air Literary eJournal, WordWrights, and Yellow Edenwald Field. Her commentaries have been featured on WBFO, Buffalo's local National Public Radio station. Lisa's first collection of poems, To the Eaves (2008), is available from BlazeVox Books.

(Photo Credit: Paul D. Van Hoy II)

Thanks Lisa!!