DIERRA
Tell me about your work as an artist?
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Dierra: With my work I like to take the monotonous things about life and document them in a retrospective way. I like to think of my images as photos to reminisce on in years to come that celebrate youth and fearlessness.
What are you trying to FEED your viewers? (What do you want viewers to get from your work?)
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Dierra: Honest images. I don’t like to do a lot of heavy photoshop work, in fact the majority of my editing is just color correction.
What do you EAT? (What influences you as an artist)
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Dierra: I draw influences from everything I come in contact with such as music, mythology, fashion, film, politics, and various other form of art.
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When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?
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Dierra: I fell in love with creating while I was in college. I took a few art classes and actually minored in photography.
Can you tell us what you are working on currently?
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Dierra: I am putting together a photo diary from this summer. I took some intimate photos of some of my friends and different events I went to and I should be finished with it by the end of August. I am also working on a portrait book but can’t really talk too much about it because I’m still in the early stages of putting it together.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
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Dierra: In 10 years I would like to be back in New York after a year abroad in Europe after building up my career as a freelance photographer and writer for all types of publications. I want to also build a charity to support public schools financially as well as encouraging better art programs for students.
What would you say to the kids in the classroom or at home who are being told that they can’t make money from being an artist?
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Dierra: Right out the gate it may not be a very profitable field but if you’re really passionate about it pursue it and the revenue will come in time. The most important thing to do is enjoy your work and know your worth.
What should we do as artists to make sure that our craft is taken seriously?
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Dierra: Don’t be ashamed of wanting to get paid. Just like people perform manual labor like carpentry art is a labor of love with emphasis on the labor. Don’t be afraid to get your coin.
