Casa Captivating
Exclusive Interviews
Ahead of our next exhibition, Casa Romantica interviewed photographer Nick Carver. Read his responses down below to learn about his creative process and his inspirations.
“American Desert” features 29 photos taken throughout the Mojave, Colorado, and Sonoran Deserts of the American Southwest. These images are borne from my love for the unique ecology of these environments and for the “artifacts” humans leave behind. A stately saguaro cactus or a deteriorating mechanics shop along Route 66 both tell an equally important part of the story in this collection of photographs. All were created using traditional analog film in a variety of medium and large formats which were then scanned to create the limited edition prints, some as big as 6-foot wide.
The process of photography itself is my strongest motivator. I feel no more comfortable in my own skin than when I’m behind a large format camera carefully nitpicking the composition and exposure of a desert landscape before me. But I must also feel a deep connection to my subject for this to work, a connection I often find in the landscapes, culture, and history of the American Southwest.
The best advice I’ve received is to avoid input on my photography. This is perhaps controversial in the art community, but I’ve found I create my best work when I’ve limited or completely avoided critiques and advice from people, other artists included. I think there is a place for such guidance early on in an artist’s pursuits, but after a time I think it’s vital that an artist tunes out most external noise so that their internal “creative director” can be heard and evolve on its own. In my mind, that’s the only way to truly find your own path.
Two photographers have influenced my work more than any others. Gregory Crewdson’s surreal photos have shaped much of my lighting style and Andreas Gursky’s studies of clutter, pattern, and shape have strongly influenced my compositional style. I also find great influence from artists in other mediums, be it Johnny Cash or Hank Williams with music, Michael Heizer with sculpture, and Edward Hopper or Kenton Nelson (an upcoming Casa Romantica exhibitor!) with painting.
Nick Carver’s American Desert FREE opening reception takes place on September 15 from 6-8 PM. RSVP here >>
Nick Carver‘s work is driven by a deep-seated love for the American Southwest that grew primarily from his lifelong proximity to the Mojave and Colorado Deserts of California. His childhood family visits to Arizona would add fuel to this fire and lay the groundwork for a future artistic obsession with saguaro cactus, mesas, and other icons of the Sonoran Desert. Through skillful use of obscure film types and formats, Nick has developed a unique photographic style that lends itself well to the rugged beauty of these deserts. His formats of choice range from 2-1/4 medium format to 4×5 large format with a particular emphasis on 6×17 panoramic. You’ll also find in his portfolio frequent use of large format peel-apart “instant” film with a characteristic grittiness that evinces his appreciation for the imperfect.
