Artist Statement
The duende* that photography makes me feel no other form of art can do it. The reason I love photography is because it's the only way I can keep time frozen, it's the only way I can touch it, see it and feel it. Going through old pictures is like a free buffet of feelings AND Melancholy, Happiness & Sadness are the most popular dishes at this buffet...
I'm not getting any younger so looking at old photographs of my loved ones, gatherings, trips and self-portraits makes me appreciate life even more, I love looking at the "old" me/us/them. That "AWWW" expression melts my heart, the "OMG!" is priceless and the classic "WHAT WAS I THINKING?" always makes me laugh. I'm what you kids call "old school" (omg not me accepting I'm old..er) ANYWAY... I like vintage stuff and I find old methods intriguing so everytime a printed photograph (specially if I'm the one who developed it) is in my hands my heart fills with joy and sometimes even deeper feelings. In my personal experience photography has helped me grow in ways I didn't know I needed to. Believe or not; to love me, to accept me, to tolerate me hasn't been easy. I get annoyed by myself too. and lets be honest this is relatable to all of us we're complicated AF but we all can learn from our younger self. I do recomend that when you look at an old picture of you, see more than the surface, go deeper, try to see your heart. it will make you feel wonders. appreciate life to the fullest cus you're running out. all we have is time and it never stops. some people like to write journals, keep voice notes, I like photos.
*the mysterious power of art to deeply move a person.
Julio Piña