Right after we launched, we posted a photograph by Laura Domela. At the time we didn’t know the photograph was part of an on-going project called Tattooed. Since then, we caught up with Laura and had her show us some more pictures from the project, and answer a few questions.
Tattoo Snob: Let’s get the most generic question out of the way. Tell us a little about yourself.
Laura: I’m originally from Los Angeles. I moved to Portland in 1995 to go to art school. When I’m not working I really love to travel and explore places I haven’t been. I like to travel camp (glamp?) in my little Airstream trailer (and have been known to bring along my 24″ monitor so I can work while I camp). I’m married, and my husband Kevin is also my lighting tech and assistant…we work great together and have a lot of fun.
TS: Artists often refer to a time period when it all came together, could you tell us a bit about when that was for you?
Laura: I dabbled in photography early on, but it didn’t really click for me. I didn’t like the long hours in the darkroom pretending like I knew what I was doing (I had taught myself photography and how to use the darkroom, but I was a bit of a non-formula experimenter and so I always felt like an imposter to photography). I went to art school and got my degree in painting and drawing, but after school and gallery representation and exhibits…I eventually felt that painting was too solitary for me. I started photographing people and it all took off from there. The challenge of working to make someone comfortable enough to collaborate for a portrait is very rewarding and I think I’m good at it.
I believe when it all came together is when I started thinking about my photographs more like I’d previously thought about my paintings…taking more time with each final image (the print) and using my background in painting and composition and design to make something that I was proud of as a finished piece of art, and not just the capture of a “right place, right time” moment (which usually just felt “lucky” and like it didn’t really need me or my artistic vision).
TS: What type of camera do you typically shoot with?
Laura: I use a Nikon D700 (digital), and occasionally a Mamiya 645 (film). (I also use my iPhone a ton, but not in the studio.)
TS: For digital pictures, how much editing is done after the original picture is taken?
Laura: A fair amount. About as much as fine art photographers used to do with dodging, burning, filtering, cutting multiple masks to highlight or push back areas of focus…only I do it on the computer. I do minimal retouching to people when it comes to “flaws”, however…because I prefer to make portraits that feel like photographs of real people. Mainly, I focus on texture during the retouching (“but yes I’ll get rid of that zit for you, I guess”).
TS: Why did you choose to start the ‘Tattooed’ series?
Laura: I originally started it in collaboration with the Portland Art Museum for their show Marking Portland: The Art of Tattoo, but I found it a very rich and interesting subject and decided to continue on with it. I’m not sure yet where it will go from here—maybe a book.
TS: Are you tattooed at all?
Laura: I have a small gathering on my ankle: two flowers and a kanji that says peace. Pretty tame.
TS: How do you go about choosing whom you want to photograph?
Laura: I’m not picky. I like people who have a bit of a story about their ink…but then everyone has a bit of a story.
TS: What upcoming events do you have?
Laura: The Portland Art Museum show just closed this last weekend, and I have a couple of other shows in the works, but no specific dates yet. There’s another portrait project I’m planning to do as a bit of a follow on to the project I did last year “Everyone My Brother Knows in Girdwood, Alaska”. It’s another small Alaska town with some very special traits. I’ll keep you posted.
TS: Any last words?
Laura: Nope. I think I’ve said enough for now.
Thanks to Laura for showing us her work, and taking the time to answer our questions. See additional work by Laura at her website.
