Pride: A Conversation with Sophia Emmerich | Blog
Sophia Emmerich (she/her) Art is a way to challenge social norms and their impact on our perceptions of beauty.
The obvious is evident the second you see her pictures, each a reflection of her profound love to expression and all its different forms in all its forms, shapes and shapes.
Sophia is a photographer based in Berlin, and her path to creativity is her individual hero's story. After years studying and then working in law, Sophia opted to shed the cloak of conformity and go for the creative path in all of its boundary breakers and lack of organization.
For Sophia: "Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I have always felt a sense of belonging to the struggle for equality for everyone. My work shows beauty regardless of gender, identity or sexuality. My work gives visibility and support that has been long-overdue."
Like Sophia, many of us have dreams of inspiration that we've set aside to conformity however, no longer. This Dream Greaterguided audio practice will aid you in awakening your creative power. Take a listen, and then go through my conversation with Sophia to encourage you to dream more expansively.
What role has creativity been in the creation of your personal identity?
My personal experience with creativity and identity have always been deeply linked to each other. It isn't my intention to see myself as someone who creates things. I'm an artist. My way of expressing myself is so in line with art and creativity that it is hard to tell where one starts and where the other one ends. Photography provides me with the chance to show not only my own and my visions, but also showcase different personal identities. In the process, I've learned so much about others me, my own personality and what I want to be - and my creative spirit has lead me to who I am currently.
"I don't see myself as a person that just does things creatively"I'm a imaginative person."
What fears have you faced to overcome in order to unleash your creativity fully? What myths and beliefs that you had to get rid of?
As I began taking pictures and filming videos as teenagers, my perception of what creativity meant was limited at best. I thought of it as a pastime reserved for hobbies or something that was a side activity. I didn't realize that it was possible to be an actual artist. I would tell myself for a long time that I hadto study something that would "get me a decent job and secure for my life." I believed this voice, and worked to pursuing a field I always knew I would not enjoy. At the point I realized the only thing I wanted to do was grab an camera and take pictures of the people around me, to share their story and to showcase the beauty of their lives, I recently graduated from law school. The process involved a lot of to overcome expectations, not only from the outside world, but also from myself. For the simple reason that having to leave my "good job and assured future" behind wasn't easy. It never is. Self doubt always creeps in. Do I have to worry if I'm really skilled at photography? What if I should just do it on the side and go to work from 9 to 5? There aren't many who would like to admit it, but I cared to the point of what was the "right option" was, that I was unable to listen to my own feelings and what I truly wanted. The combination of that, and a fear of being rejected and failing, could be a bit overwhelming. In the end all the rational thoughts and ideas I had in my head didn't matter anymore, because the more I grabbed my camera to take pictures and videos, the more content I was. It was a lengthy and often painful process however, recognizing what makes you content is one of the most satisfying experiences of life. With the information I acquired about myself from the experience, I might have never been able to do the work I do now. Therefore, I am thankful for my path through all of its twists and turns, and I can't wait to see where life will take me next.
What have queer communities shaped your perspective?
Discussion of gay and lesbian communities fills me with joy and love which I need to remind myself to not to be too cheesy. When I think about this community of queer individuals, it is filled with real, honest, beautiful (inside and outside) individuals living the truth of their self. As a member of this amazing community inspires me to live my authentic and truest self. It has changed my perspective in a profound way. I now find myself much more open towards all people who come into my world and keen to hear about their experiences. With this community, I've learned daily something new.
When do you feel the most connected with yourself?
I feel most connected to me when I'm around people that I care about. Whenever I have the opportunity to be a part of the queer group, I choose to do as I believe this leads to more artistic results and a better setting atmosphere. Recently, for the first time, I worked in a set that was exclusively LGBTQ, with people from the community , both on and behind the camera, and I've never felt so at ease with myself or my personal identity. Being around people with so much affection and love is extremely affirming, particularly as an artist.
What was the time or date you feel you'd opened your phone?
Looking back now I am sure there have been numerous instances where I would have realized that I would like to be a photographer. It's hard to pin the exact moment to one. However, one thing I do am able to recall vividly that changed the direction of my work was in the year 2018. I began work on my initial exhibition "RedLipstickMen", which showed huge projections of close-ups I'd shot of men who were wearing red lipstick (I realize... the name really says everything, not my most creative choice). The concept behind the shoot was derived from the fact that I saw a close acquaintance of mine whom I consider to be feminine, sporting red lipstick and they were confronted in the street. I was so shocked and didn't know how something as simple as lipstick red could trigger an emotional reaction from individuals. It was my idea to demonstrate how gorgeous lips are with red lipstick, regardless of gender. Because I believed back then (and I do today) that humans are more open to what they've seen previously. Our attention is drawn by the things that we consider beautiful. Through these images as well as the show I realized for me that I could influence people to change their views and utilize my work as a tool to bring attention and a sense of representation that has been for a long time.
When I think about gay and lesbian communities, I see genuine, honest and gorgeous (inside as well as out) persons living out their authentic persona.
What is creative fulfillment like for you? Define the emotions evoked.
Creative fulfillment for me as a photographer is helping others feel accepted by their real and authentic self. It is incredibly satisfying to capture their individual beauty and to connect with the person through photographs. If I'm completed with a project and the subject who is in front of my camera recognizes themselves in the images and all the pressure (and it can be quite plenty of stress) can be worth it. Images show models whom I've actually witnessed, as well as what they look like and could be a validation to both of us. It makes me incredibly happy seeing other people happy.
What do you say to anyone who's not confident in sharing or creating your work?
It's a bit scary being exposed to the public, I can 100% relate to the fear of publishing your creative work to the world. Since you are a part of whatever you have been creating, any critique feels like an attack on you and it's not just about your work. The anxiety that comes when you make that first leap can be nothing compared to feeling the excitement of having completed it. I often anticipate the worst and forget the good things however getting rid of all that worry and just doing your own thing can be extremely rewarding. It's so much easier to say than do, but being aware of how other people perceive you is crucial in my opinion. Put yourself out there , and incredible events will occur. I guarantee it.
What are the edges you are exploring your creative potential? What areas of your life do you feel nervous but excited to explore your creative limits?
On one hand, I have a tendency to switch between Imposter-Syndrome and something that is best described as a "Yolo"-attitude. On some days, I feel as if I'm in complete control and that everything I do is not worth seeing the light of day however, on other days I want to work on big projects and cannot wait to begin. The balance between work and controlling my energy is a thing I still have to work out and get every day.
In the opposite when working alongside and engaging with the queer community with a purpose that creates the community to its feet, there's an additional pressure. It's a challenge to face the fear of being in the wrong or not doing the right thing for my own group of people.
Explain your method of documenting or creating visually appealing essays that reflect the diverse community. What inspires, stimulates the work and drives it?
Being part of the queer community as well as creating images that show its beauty is a major part of the process for me. The first is educating myself on the history of queer people as well as intersectionality and inclusivity (and there's more!). Second, I am listening to what the people whom I am working with discuss. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to be a part of the LGBTQ community. I want to honor it.
When I was young that the portrayal of queer people in the media of queer people was either nonexistent or full of stereotypes I couldn't relate to. The thing that motivates me is the thought of just one little kid watching my work and seeing them. As a strong, beautiful queer person. I want to create the representation I needed as a child, so that other young people who are queer can feel respected and empowered.