SUMMER 2011

BOLD+ DETERMINED CREATIVES UNPUBLISHED

03 cornelia klimek 13 leslie a. wood 23 oleg borodin 29 winston braun 33 michela heim by emily jane morgan 09 rachel souza

17

OUR INTERVIEW

kee boutique with rachel souza 37 41 amandine paulandre

51

45 benjamin evans 57 anna balecho 61 emily jane morgan 65 evita weed 85 julia trotti 89 leah goren 93 kevin j. hsia 99 maria eugenia solla + ines ayerza

by evita weed 71 jessica durrant

THE SWAMP

75

kitchener, ontario

04

I BEGAN DABBLING WITH PHOTOGRAPHY after failing at other creative outlets such as art or music. Finding out that I cannot sketch or hold a note to save my life led to me to try and express myself otherwise. When I picked up my first camera (an old Canon point and shoot) things seemed right. Perhaps it didnt appear as though skill was necessary to try and create with it (since you literally pointed and clicked) but I found it a great challenge to frame subjects in interesting ways and really develop my eye so to speak. Then, of course, came the added test of learning Photoshop, which is daunting in and of itself. Using various resources at my disposal (mainly the internet), I began to develop my skills and branch out from shooting nature to people, primarily self portraits, before gaining the nerve to ask my friends to pose for me. From there I slowly started working with models and when it became clear I was going to need to have more of a hand in the shoots, I began styling them as well. My foray into styling was more out of necessity than anything else. There wasnt anyone that I could ask to style the shoots, so pulling clothes and creating outfits became my job - one which I

have grown to love as much as photography and editing.

Currently, I typically take on

several roles in the planning of a shoot, from art direction, to styling, to sometimes even hair. Whatever it takes to create the vision. It is a long process, but one I find so rewarding when the results come out the way I intended. I am constantly inspired by what I see, hear, and dream. I always say that if people look at my work and think its beautiful and pretty, then I have accomplished what I wanted to.

CORNELIA KLIMEK
HTTP : / / C OR N E L I A K LI MEK .CA

new bedford, massachusetts

T H I S

S H O O T was

actually inspired by Moxee! I wanted to capture images that were reminiscent of Moxees color scheme. The dress chosen for the foggy beach shots was not only chosen for its colors, but I liked the way the dress, with its geometric pattern, reminded me of some of the brilliant collage work featured in Moxees spring issue, blog, & Flickr group. The turquoise necklace featured with the pink dress is actually one of my very own handmade jewelry pieces.

10

RACHEL SOUZA

HT TP://FLIC KR. CO M/ PH O T O S/ INS P I R E D R E A M C R E A TE

brooklyn, new york

I A M A 2 5 Y E A R old illustrator living and working in Brooklyn, NY. I find joy in sharpened pencils, aimless walks, patterns, homemade chili, & aerial views. Drawing acts as my most natural voice.

14

L E S L I E A. W O O D
HTTP : / / L E S L I E AW OO D.CO M

by emily jane morgan

In between the bustle of diary dates crammed with University work and Commercial / Editorial work, sometimes I just like to do my own thing and enjoy taking photographs without having to question what I am shooting, why I am shooting what I am, or have to worry about being assessed afterward. I have learned very quickly that no matter what kind of creative you are, you need to take a break and have fun, meeting new people along the way in order to relax your mind. These two shoots are the result of that decision, and I have a lot of affection for both of them, despite them being so different from one another! I have not yet published these series because I have strongly believed I should wait for the right time to share them. Sometimes I feel like that. I can be too hasty with sharing photographs, uploading them so soon and then losing appreciation for them, but by waiting long enough my love for more. Confidence is everything. the photographs grows, and gives me confidence to shoot more and

18

This was shot in the sunny streets and parks of Norwich, England on the day of the Easter Fair in Chapelfield Gardens, with Photographer Nicola Crossley. Photo days are becoming more popular amongst growing Photographers, an opportunity to share tips, tricks and discover beautiful places together, and most importantly, to inspire each other. I always come away from a photo day with other photographers feeling pleased & buzzing with creative energy and ready to jump back into work! My shoot with Nicola was no exception, who made a wonderful model and prop-hunting companion! The vibrant colours of the fair and locations make this series one that truly reflect my feelings of positivity and enthusiasm on the day of the shoot, which Im proud of. Sometimes shoots like this one do not need concepts; they just need an open mind and opened eyes- anything can happen on a photo day!

Black Balloon is one of my few studio shoots. I personally try to evade the beckoning call of the studio due to its clinical aesthetic that can be awfully uninspiring and at the same time rather daunting! However, this shoot for me was an opportunity to be playful, and working with a model that I have worked with and gotten to appreciate for her positivity and creative input. The theme was loosely based around the phrase Post- Apocalyptic, the model looking almost skeletal and strange. It quickly evolved into a quirky shoot with dozens of black balloons flying around the studio! The Make-up Artist produced a striking and bold look on Felicity that makes this shoot such a unique piece in my portfolio. The experience dashed my fears of using the studio, and I think I know where I will be hiding on rainy days!

moscow, russia

24

A M

I N S P I R E D

B Y

F I N E

A R T S.

can feel the air, pure and spacious. The space should be visually comfortable. The environment makes us what we are, and living in a big city makes your eyes starve for purity. Billboards, posters, the whole outdoor advertisement thing, people rushing through the streets and abudance of color, uglyness and pollution. When it comes to visual culture you automatically turn to light, space, harmony & minimalism.

There are paintings that guide me in terms of color, shades and the atmosphere. Having classical art as the ideal I try to reach. I think photographs should have their own poetry. Each picture has the capacity to evoke emotion from your heart, rather than your rational mind. So for me, photography is not about capturing a moment, but about creating a picture, an artwork of its own meaning and value. The whole atmosphere, colors, tints, details you go through it, you perfect them, you set up one more take with only one photograph in the end. Sometimes I think that a series is only a variation of the same picture, which is rather unnecessary. Less is more. It applies equally to portraits and landscapes. My main aim as a photographer is to fill the picture with air, color and sensation. So while looking at the photograph, one

OLEG BORODIN
HTTP : / / O L E G B O R O DI N .CO M

ventura, california

30

I G R E W U P mostly in a small Californian town. The hikes in the summer and the coyotes on my street at night influenced much of my subject matter. For a while growing up I wanted to be a writer, but I became an illustrator instead. Now I try to create images that have a sense of narrative to them, that tell a story. I also really like bicycles and the space program, and along with drawing, they are all things that I never really grew out of. I always did want to go to space camp.

WINSTON BRAUN

H TT P: //W INS TON BRAU N . T U MBLR. C OM

oslo, norway

34

M Y M O T H E R I S F R O M Budapest, Hungary and my father is from the beautiful Swedish island, Gotland. I was born in a village called Kinna, Sweden and growing up in this small place never quite felt like home. It made me daydream a whole lot, and of course, I desired to travel far, far away. I moved to Oslo, Norway after graduation and I have lived in Norway since - its a wonderful country. The nature is breathtaking and makes me feel at home. In my photography, theres often a connection between humans and nature. My love for film photography has existed for as long as I can remember. My father was always carrying around a snapshot camera or filming our familys events. My father has social anxiety, so he never attended the big events like graduations or trips to the amusement park, but I always felt that they werent the ones that counted anyways. The most beloved memories I have from my childhood are when my whole family (my mother, father and two sisters) squeezed into a car and drove across Sweden to visit relatives or just for a vacation, stopping close to beautiful fields to have hot cocoa and cinnamon buns. Just us, being together.

When I was about 19, on a trip to Hungary, my mother gave me a compact 35mm camera and that is when it all really began. I started photographing to remember things better, because I am quite forgetful when it comes to details. Looking at one photo from someplace reminds me of almost everything around the time the photo was taken. I dont write a journal. I take photographs to remember the things I do and feel, but I also try and achieve different mind states that my viewers can relate to and go back and reminisce in my pictures.

MICHELA HEIM

H TTP:/ / CARGO CO LLE CTI VE .C O M / M I C HE L A HE I M

leeds, united kingdom

38

I A M K E E L Y B R I G H T M O R E and my clothes are Kee Boutique. I love everything pretty and vintage. I like nothing better than rooting through flea markets and car boots for hidden gems, pieces of lace, broaches, fabrics, whatever I can find, then creating something beautiful from something on its last legs! I started Kee Boutique in July last year, just after graduating from university. I have always been creative, designing and using my mums sewing machine as a child. I started selling my clothes online, in markets and in other peoples shops but always dreamt of having my own shop. My shop is in a beautiful art deco building with several other independent shops which is a great place to visit in Leeds. I also use it as a studio where customers can find me behind my sewing machine making my new garments to sell in the shop, online and elsewhere. I either make brand new clothes from vintage materials or rework unloved vintage clothes so every piece is a one-off and can be custom made for each customer. I take inspiration from the 20s to now and love mixing English and French styles. I love what I do, meeting new creative people who I can learn from, doing fashion shows and photoshoots, and seeing people wearing my designs. I hope people love them too! Available to buy on asos marketplace (search keeboutique).

KEE BOUTIQUE

H TT P: //KEEBOUTIQ U E . BLO GSPO T . C O M

paris, france

42

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY is the time you can spend taking pictures. Im boring and I always get bored, so its a medium that keeps me busy. I find inspiration with accessories. I imagine a hat, a crown... and I start taking or drawing the pictures in my head. It helps for D-day. There are many ways to accessorize a style. And when I dont think about shooting something fashionable, I take pictures of whats around and what looks good because it often will look even better on film. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesnt, but the essential thing is that I tried to get the element I liked.

I wouldnt take pictures of someone that doesnt match my beauty criteria (it sounds bad, I know), therefore I have very few models. I walk with my head up, so I see the tops of buildings and take pictures of them. I always look at architecture even if I

have seen it a million times,

because theres always something new appearing.

AMANDINE PAULANDR
H TTP:// AMAN D IN E PAU LA N D R E .C O M

brisbane, australia

46

M Y

N A M E

I S

B E N J A M I N

E V A N S

that I have always had an interest in but never really pursued. Being self-taught, I have really enjoyed the learning process that has gone along with it all and shooting film is also always an exciting process to be involved in. Good or bad, there are always some interesting results that come from the process. Whatever happens, enjoy.

and I am from the Gold Coast, Australia. My photography follows my day-to-day happenings. I like looking for the interesting or unusual in a scene that others may miss, photographing it, then sharing it with my family and friends. Ultimately, the world is full of amazing people, places and parties, so why wouldnt you get involved... and capture some memories in the process. I would have to say my parents inspired me to get creative, which is something that I have always been really happy about. I have always had an interest in different creative mediums, but I began photography just before I went travelling to South America a year or so ago. I started because it gave me the perfect opportunity (and a bit of a push) to go and learn something

HTT P: //C ARG OC O LLE CT IV E . CO M/ B E NJ A M I NE VA N S

BENJAMIN EVANS

AN INTERVIEW
With rachel souza
As a reoccuring contributor of Moxee, Rachel Souza was nice enough to be one of our first interviewed creatives for our summer issue. Find out everything from what she does on a daily basis to her favorite photograph she has ever taken!

52

WELL START OFF EASY - HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY? DO YOU REMEMBER ANY OF THE FIRST PHOTOS YOU EVER TOOK? While I cant exactly remember what sparked my interest in photography and drew me in, I do, however, remember when I was around 12 years old going to the store and buying 3 packs of disposable film cameras and snapping all kinds of pictures. I would have my two cousins model for me, I would curl their hair and pick out outfits and go on little photoshoots around the house. I can remember handing them a flower from their garden and instructing them to look down at it and look sad. I would also bring lots of disposable film cameras on family vacations and later get the pictures developed and make scrapbooks. In June of 2009 I was really into black and white photography and also macro photography using my digital camera. I would get prints of them at the store and put them in a little journal, and it was about that time that one of

my friends introduced me to the wonderful world of Flickr and my photography just took off and blossomed from there. WHAT IS IT THAT INSPIRES YOU AND HOW DO YOU PREPARE/BEGIN A PHOTOSHOOT? Im extremely inspired by music lyrics, especially that of The Spill Canvas. Their lyrics have inspired a great amount of my work. I just really enjoy pulling the lyrics apart and putting them back together visually. I

dont always illustrate the lyrics literally, I sometimes find I like to take them out of context and let them take on a different meaning. Im also highly inspired the Vintage eras and fashion. Your likely to find all three inspirations wrapped up in one photograph. Some other inspirations I draw from nature, such as creeping ivy, exposed tree roots, fog, etc. Last but definitely not least I often find myself inspired by the other creative and talented photographers on Flickr. After all, they inspired me to try some of the more elaborate and heavily manipulated type images such as levitation, and working with layers and textures. Another way Flickr inspires me is through my taking part in some of their weekly themes or assignment groups, I like to challenge myself to think outside the box while still following the given theme or assignment. When preparing for a photoshoot I almost always know exactly what I want it to look like in my head, so the night before Ill gather all the clothing, accessories, props, etc. that well need pack them up and charge my cameras battery. Last year my usual model Melissa and I invested in a pop-up changing room so we make sure we pack that too. I do a lot of checking the weather channel for last minute changes too because in New England the weather can change in an instant. IN MOXEES SPRING ISSUE, YOU MENTIONED YOUR LOVE FOR JEWELRY MAKING & POETRY WRITING. DO YOU FIND THAT YOUR CREATIVE WORK IN ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT FIELDS INFLUENCE EACH OTHER? I do feel that my other creative outlets and hobbies all take a part in influencing eachother. Sometimes Ill take a photo and it will inspire me to write a poem, or sometimes Ill write a poem that inspires a photograph. My jewelry making abilities come in handy when I need a particular accessory for a photoshoot. I also have used some of my watercolor paintings to create interesting double exposures. DO YOU PREFER DIGITAL OR FILM NOWADAYS? I prefer digital.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT DIGITAL PHOTOS THAT YOU ADORE? I prefer digital photos because I enjoy the instant gratification of seeing the shot I just took, and making sure it looks the way I intended. While I love the look of film; the graininess and lightleaks, for me its too unpredictable, you never know if your going to have a masterpiece or a complete disaster. For those time when Im craving a film like feel or edge I enjoy the challenge of achieving it through editing, with layers and textures. SO, WHATS A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RACHEL LIKE, EXACTLY? A day in the Life of Rachel is pretty ordinary. I wake up early for my split shift as a teacher at a local day care. When Im home in between shifts I get a chance to catch up on house work and spend some time either editing photos or uploading and commenting contacts on Flickr. Also, Ill often use this time to jot some new ideas or inspiration in my journal appropriately titled Photography Ideas and Inspiration. Then its back to work where I find

other ways to be creative, whether its helping classroom teachers with lesson ideas or putting together kid-made monthly themed bulletin boards. After work I make dinner and enjoy spending time with my Husband and our two dogs. The majority of my picture taking happens on the weekends. My usual model Melissa and I are earlybirds so were usually already snapping away by 9:00 am and are usually done shortly after noon. Then Ill spend the next few hours going through, selecting and editing photos. WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE IT BE SPRING OR AUTUMN THE ENTIRE YEAR? I think if I had to choose between Spring and Autumn I would have it be spring for the entire year. All the pretty flowers make for great photo opportunities, and who doesnt love the smell of spring rain. DO YOU HAVE A SINGLE FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPH THAT YOUVE TAKEN? My favorite photo Ive ever taken would have to be a portrait of my model Melissa De Lima I took in an abandoned office building in Swansea, Massachusetts. It was one of those days where I should have checked the weather one more time before we left. The forecast was predicting low 50s, but it ended up being so cold we could see our breath. So after freezing, climbing through broken glass windows, and nearly being scared to death when a gust of wind slammed one of the office doors closed, I was more than thrilled when I saw the shot on the camera. I almost didnt edit the shot at all I was so happy with it, but decided to give it a slightly warmer yellow tone to enhance the beautiful natural light that surrounded her.

H T T P:/ / W W W . F L I C K R .C O M / P HO TOS / I N S P I R E D R E A MCR E AT E

RACHEL SOUZA

lisbon, portugal

58

A M

L I S B O A

P O R T U G A L graduate in

Photography and Visual Culture. I rarely work with something that I do not know or something I do not feel, so my influences are personal, even when it comes to cinema or music, it always has that emotional background. My photos are usually as much about myself as they are about the subjects being photographed. Its like each one of my photos are a journey. Its an interesting life? Not really, but so many boring lives have made very good movies..

ANNA BALECHO
H TTP://A N N ABALE CH O . COM

norwich, england

62

EMILY JANE MORGAN

HTT P://EMILY JAN E P H O T O . CO . U K

W A S

B O R N in

1990 and am a photographer based in Norwich, England, with special focuses on the fairy-tale and whimsical fantasy of portraiture. My keen interest in dreams and the imagination has led to the production of this photographic series of self-portraits. Containing the vibrant beginnings a body of work that I intend to expand upon in due course, exploring the nature of dreams and what they symbolize and reflect upon this world. This photographic series has become a very personal what exploration, realising

some of the visual elements represent and symbolize for me, which has been a wonderful feeling, to educate myself with my own art is not a regular occurance, after all!

granada, spain

66

I, EVA

MARIA

GONZALEZ

LOPEZ,

to preserve my innocence in a society that seems to be losing that quality. A vision of my city, this desert vast, desolate asphalt, the futile resistance against the loss of innocence... There are thousands of times in life, and some of them deserve to be captured... feelings and images... and thats all there for me. My style is totally recognizable and distinctive. Its so easy to get carried away and jump into the imaginary world of sublime landscapes, dynamic skies, dreamlike landscapes and feelings hidden in remote corners imaginable.

was born in 1986 in a small village in the province of Jaen in

Andalusia. And thats where I started learning about photography in a very experimental way.

In 2002, I moved to Granada, where I then began studying pho tography and developing my own style. I developed my
style with a love story that was somewhat rough and left me in deep sadness. I began to see photography as more than one activity, but a way to translate my feelings and impressions in the light and transforming them into a tangible form that can be seen on paper. Although born in the digital age, I focused primarily on film. My portraits are characterized by a melancholy touch, soft and subtle tones of vintage film grain conveying a sense of recognizable time. There is always a touch of melancholy in my pictures, because I love film cameras and they are always going to get a rough grain which permeates every level, as a product of light. My images are also characterized by soft tones, subtle, small imperfections and well-studied use of light, where natural light is the key theme of the collection. The pictures, for me, are my window to the world. Everything around me is a huge desert of asphalt that Im trying to escape ...

EVITA WEED

HTTP : / / E VI TAW E E D .TU MBL R .CO M

atlanta, georgia

72

A M

freelance

illustrator and art instructor from the fabulous Las Vegas, who recently moved to Atlanta. I studied Illustration at Southern Utah University where I received my Bachelors. I teach art classes in Kennesaw, Georgia and have taught painting courses in Tempe, Arizona and West Chester, PA. My art is inspired by my passion for traveling, fashion design, indie music, graphic arts, Japanese Illustration, vintage fashion magazines, and fellow artisans. I mainly work with watercolors, India inks and pen on paper. If I can create an image that makes the viewer feel as happy as I did when I created it, then my job is done.

JESSICA DURRANT

HTTP : / / J E S S I C A I L L U S TR A TI ON .E TS Y.CO M

a series by evita weed

UN DIA MS me quedar sentada aqui en la penumbra de un jardin tan extrao cae la tarde y me olvide otra vez de tomar una determinacin... Tropiezos incontrolados, futuros inesperados...

ONE DAY Ill be sitting over here, in the shadows of a strange garden, the evening will fall again and Ill forget to make a resolution. Uncontrolled tripping, an unexpected future

76

HTT P: //FLIC KR.CO M/ PH O T O S/ E V IT AW E E D

T H E S W A M P

sydney, australia

86

P R O F E S S I O N A L, E N G A G I N G, passionate and highly talented are just some of the words that come to mind when asked to describe my high-grade photography. I have well and truly hit my stride as a photographer, having come a long way since my humble beginnings. My portfolio encompasses a wide variety of material, from highly competitive fashion photography to stunning stills from my work within the music industry right through to the fine art of wedding photography. My high level of professionalism has helped aid features in the Digital Photography and Design Magazine multiple times. I was also charged with producing the cover imagery for The Last Vampire novel series by Christopher Pike as well as having been featured by General Pants Co and Vogue Italia online. Suzi Rose, Jessica Beattie and Mackenzie Mode are amongst my fashion clients, while my musically inclined shoots have been produced on Cass Eagers album art. I also have performed

live shoots for international acts such as Thirsty Merc and Against Me as well as photographically documenting the 2010 MusicOz Awards. Bearing these achievements in mind, my prospective clients can be assured that any work produced on their behalf will not only embody a professional attitude, but shall be eye catching, engaging, satisfying and unique.

J U L I A T R O T T I
HT T P://JULIATRO T T I. CO M

brooklyn, new york

90

I M L E A H R E E N A G O R E N , and I am an illustrator living in Brooklyn, New York. I grew up in Southern California, and its plants, colors, and sunlight inspire a lot of my work. I love pretty things -- girls, flowers, patterns, dresses -- even if they arent always drawn in the prettiest way. Ink spots and wobbly lines makes the drawing feel more real. A lot of people say I draw sad girls, and I suppose its true. Theyre young like me, and theyre still learning and growing and seeing and thinking, and its not always happy or easy. I love making things that other people can use and experience. Ive been making hand printed and sewn clothing for a while now, and its really nice to talk to the girls that email me with orders and requests. Right now Im focussing a lot on making more repeat patterns and designs for textiles. Im very excited for the future and to keep making new things!

L E A H G O R E N
H TTP://LE AH GO RE N . CO M

illinois, united states

94

P H O T O G R A P H Y

I S

S O M E T H I N G of a

never meant to give away the specifics. I am in constant tension between the naturalistic and humanistic sides of photography, but in the end, it is beauty in the everyday that inspires me. Im hoping to combine a career with my love for photos with media and visual design.

meditative and restorative practice for me. Meditative in the sense that the process of selectively framing reality is a profound conscious act. The solitude of individually mastering a small universe and making sense of that chaos is empowering. Photography is restorative in the sense that the photos I see after are immortalized as part of a narrative colored by my memories and experiences. I enjoy film as I find it to be as fickle and unpredictable only as far as its user is willing to let precision and clarity go. To me, my best moments are those that are personal an intimacy beyond subjective understanding. Art was

buenos aires, argentina

100

W E

D E F I N I T I V E L Y L O V E photography and

otherworldly thing; we admire strong and expressive people with a very relaxed and simple mind, very aware of their own emotions, and with interesting thoughts and philosophy. We like not taking life too seriously. Its like returning to the basics, less is more. We like simple photography.

graphic design, so after some experience in the fashion industry, with a bounded budget and a few digital cameras, we built a small home-studio and started shooting at every friend willing to pose just for the sake of it. The design studies provided us a lot of theory and practice on art, fashion and composition, and we wanted to mix all that in a unique creative project. So here we are, hoping one day to make it our main support, but we know its a long way. Metamorphosis is our essence. We become anything that activates our senses to create. Photography for us is very much like music. Each photo has its own sound and story behind its own reality. So we enjoy creating worlds, distorting that reality as the way its been given and connecting deeply with our own, born from things that influence us, such us good films, books,

All that can make a photo play a good song for us. Or even make a beautiful and harmonic silence. If it doesnt, its a dead one.

paint ing and music. We are constantly playing with space, time
and cameras. A models spirit is essential for us. We defend

beautiful imperfections; we like different minds with some

M A R I N E P H O T O G R A P H E R S
H T T P:/ / MARIN E P HOTOG R A P HE R S .C O M .A R