Rora was super kind and her answers were really interesting. I have placed these below. I am really thankful that I got in contact with her.
I am good how are you? My studies are going well I am excited to finally be graduating this semester and then starting a Masters program this fall. How is your photography program going?
Thank you for sending over such thoughtful questions! Here are my answers-
At the point you currently are in your career has there been any turning points? For example, anything that made you know this is what you wanted to do.
The first piece of art that I made ended up going viral online and it catapulted my career in a very strange way. At that time I didn’t really know that what I was making was art. I only had exposure to painting and drawing and did not know that you could be a professional artist working in non-traditional mediums. Hearing others call what I was doing art gave me the courage to pursue the work I was making seriously.
How do you find the balance between commissioned and personal work? What was your first commissioned piece of work and did you enjoy it?
My first commissioned piece was in 2016. I was commissioned to do a site specific installation at an abandoned hotel. I did enjoy it, I was very early in my career at the time and I think the experience pushed me and helped me grow quite a bit. I don’t do much commissioned work, maybe one or so piece a year, mostly because I am able to make a living off of selling my personal work.
How have you found public responses to your work? Are there any that stand out?
Definitely. I make a lot of art about social issues, specifically about sexism, ableism, and homophobia. The responses to this work are often emotionally charged. People who have experienced these things often get to see themselves represented in a unique way. The flip side is that the work makes other people uncomfortable and I get some backlash there.
Your work has inspired me to express myself but as well as others within my photography. How have you found working with people and telling their stories?
That means so much to me! Creating participatory artwork gives me purpose. It is so nice to get outside of myself and be able to provide an outlet of expression for other people who need it.
The work you produce is text-based, when did you discover this was your style? I personally really like this about your work and that it can create conversation.
Thank you so much. I discovered it accidentally with the Unsent Project. I continued working this way because I feel that I can communicate best with the combination of text and visuals.
How have you found maintaining connections with other creators in the industry?
I do basically all of my networking online through social media. It’s been amazing, I have made lasting connections and lifelong friends. Connecting with people this way is the most accessible for me because of my physical disability. I love that there are alternative ways to network now because moving to a big city and hustling in person doesn’t work for everyone.
Do you think it is best to have an agent or be freelance?
I don't believe that one is better than the other. I think every person is different and what may be the perfect fit for one person won’t be the right path for another. Working freelance is what is best for me but I recognize that I am privileged in the fact that I am able to make a living working for myself. I do think that the internet is changing the landscape of agencies and galleries quite a bit. It is possible now for artists to represent themselves online in a way that did not exist before. I think it all depends on what type of work you are trying to create as well and who your audience is.
How do you deal with a lack of inspiration and/or motivation?
I have struggled with this recently for the first time in my career. It’s tough, I’ve learned to be patient with myself and trust that even when I feel like I am doing nothing I am still processing information that will be significant to my practice later. I have also found it to be helpful when I can’t seem to create anything to turn myself into a sponge. For me, this means reading, watching documentaries, visiting museums, and looking at other artist’s work.
Please let me know if you need me to elaborate on anything. Thanks so much!
