Twist Gallery is hosting a very unique photography exhibit this month, Horizons. This exhibit features eight talented photographers who have a mix of cityscapes and naturescapes pieces. We asked our photographers some questions about their work to find out more about the inspiration behind their work. To know the talent behind the lens, read more below! 

Angel Fonseca

Angel Fonseca is a local Toronto film-based photographer who has been shooting photos since 2014. Angel started photography on his iPhone as his brother recommended building an eye before diving into the craft and equipment. Angel has always been interested in photography due to the skateboarding fisheye 2000s videos he would watch growing up. 

What is the most beautiful “Horizon” you’ve captured so far? 

One of the most beautiful horizons I've been able to capture is my Porsche photograph in Malibu. The location, lighting and scene for the cars made it the perfect dream image that I was able to capture during this day.  

 Most of your photographs are centred around mainly vintage cars. What about older cars inspires your work?

The funny thing about these vintage cars is that skateboarding and movies have been a huge inspiration when creating my work. I tend to imagine or create scenarios that create a storytelling aspect with my image as my goal is always to have the viewer experience something when viewing my work. I tend to make work that others can connect to and with through my experience in my life.  

What do you hope the viewer draws from engaging with your work?

I hope the viewer is able to relive experiences through my work and appreciate the aspect that they feel something through my work yet not understanding why they do. 

What drives you to create? How does it impact your personal growth?

Creating is my way of self-expression. I've grown up with a learning disability and this has made it difficult to express my emotions and feelings through words or writing. Art allows me to fully immerse myself into creating something that I'm able to express to the world without having the fear of being judged since I enjoy creating narratives to fit the emotions I may be going through. 

Do you take inspiration from other mediums of art?

 I absolutely take inspiration from other forms of art as this is the base of my foundation of creating unique work. I'm not afraid to use any type of art or medium for a form of inspiration. 

Rick Bogacz

Rick Bogacz, born and raised in Toronto, began his artistic journey after being influenced by his father. After discovering his love of photography, he continues to explore the use of negative space in his compositions, particularly architectural abstracts and long exposure landscapes. 

How do you tie philosophy to your images?

I am not sure whether there is a particular philosophy tied to how I produce images but I tend to follow a minimalist approach. I am not a fan of clutter in any aspect of my life and I suspect part of that can be attributed to upbringing. It then evolved professionally in my journalistic career where clear, concise development of content was an all-encompassing requirement. I was fascinated by the relationship between the subject matter of my images and the role that negative space played in creating composition and mood. Similar to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, emptiness becomes a palpable entity.

Do you find that being a journalist has strengthened your creative process?

It definitely has had an impact because part of being a journalist is finding a way to provide information to the general public in a clear and concise way. So in photography my goal is to break through the noise, so to speak, and return to the essentialist esthetic.

Your work is all photographed in black and white, is this a conceptual choice or stylistic?

It depends on the subject matter. When I photograph landscapes, for example, I tend to look at the subject matter in terms of black and white, influenced by the works of Michael Kenna, Mary Ellen Mark and other masters such as Edward Weston, Andre Kertesz and of course, Ansel Adams. I just find, as a personal preference, that the tones associated with black and white elicit a certain quality that fits my goal as a photographer. Having said that, with my abstract work, I do tend to veer towards shooting in colour to enhance the richness and contrast of the subject matter. 

How have painters Christopher Pratt and Edward Hopper influenced your photographic work?

When you first look at the work of Christopher Pratt or Edward Hopper there is, on the surface at least, a certain simplicity. But when one looks closer there is a sense of foreboding and isolation which they depict that I find rather interesting. Although I rarely have human figures in my work, I perhaps subconsciously, look to portray a certain sense of aloneness and solitude in the environments as well.

What is the most beautiful “Horizon” you’ve captured so far?

It hasn't happened yet and I don't mean that to sound as if I am ignoring the question. There is certainly work that I am 'happy' with and enjoy displaying to an audience but I believe one of the common characteristics of artists and other creative individuals is that they are constantly trying to perfect their craft.  The learning process, and curiosity that comes with it, never really stops and it's what drives us to keep moving forward to the next horizon with the camera.

Colin Shillingford 

Colin Shillingford documents moods and moments in his city and attempts to capture the city from various angles that showcase its beautiful views. He strives to create cityscapes that appear to have occurred in a surreal, dreamlike state. His work evokes a cinematic and futuristic feel using a variety of elements including lighting, tonality, depth, contrast, color, shapes and lines.

GJ Verellen

GJ Verellen is an American Canadian-Belgian photographer based in Toronto who has been taking photos since 2017. Photography allows him to express his love for beauty in everyday life as he documents exciting colors, shapes, and light.

All of the images in your series are taken on 35mm film. Why did you decide to use analog film compared to digital? Do you find that analog film adds to or strengthens your creative narrative?

The reason why I shot all my images on 35mm film is that it slows me down, it makes me think about my composition, subject, and lighting. I enjoy shooting on film a lot more since it is a whole process compared to shooting digital. When I develop my images and scan them, it is always a surprise to see what I got. I also prefer the look of organic grain and the dynamic range of the gelatin silver over a digital image. The feeling I get from film makes it easier to convey a sense of timelessness and serenity. Being able to work on the image from start to finish and having control over the whole process is a therapeutic and relaxing process that makes it easier to edit the image to the final photo I imagined when I pressed the shutter.

Your series A Portrait of Paris is a tribute to a city you love. Did you take any inspiration from Parisian art while you were visiting that aided in the creation of your series?

One of my biggest influences in street photography has been Eugene Atget, a Parisian street photographer who documented the industrialization of Paris at the turn of the 20th Century. His images have an emphasis on the architectural landscape that is so characteristic to  Paris and its inhabitants and still stands out in the 21st Century. When I was photographing the city, I focused on the architecture while balancing the human element to the photos as.

What is the most beautiful “Horizon” you’ve captured so far?

Some of my favorite "Horizons" were taken on my trip to Paris when I shot this project.

My first favorite horizon is a medium format color image of the Sacre Coeur on Mont Martre. The photo focuses less so on the church than on the cultural hotspot that the church represents. The steep hill provides a great sectioning of a foreground, middle ground, and background where in every layer you can see something interesting and tell of the place. I took a similar photo a few years prior but was unhappy with how it turned out, so when I visited again in 2022, I was ready to take the proper image. 

The Second favorite horizon I took is the 13x19 image on display at the gallery. I saw a photo at the exact location that was purely from the side clock at Museé D'Orsay and thought I could improve upon it. When I went to the clock near the painting of the impressionist period, everyone was occupied by taking a photo with the interworking of the clock rather than of the structure itself. I was able to capture four images in the span of only a few seconds; this is one of the images from that moment. I think the composition is quite successful where you have this long double curve created by the clock that draws attention to the building in the background framed by the spokes of the clock. 

How does Paris’s neoclassical and renaissance designs influence you in creating future work?

I think It's something to further investigate and research for sure. I hope to go back sometime soon to spend more time there and create a larger body of work where I can display more images. I wouldn't say that those designs inspire me by themselves, but rather the integration of those architectural styles together in a modern world. 

Cristian Arango

Cristian Arango, formerly a Chemical engineer and Food Scientist, started in the photography world in 2018 when he came to Canada. Equipped with his phone, he commenced creating memories through photographs. His mission is to show people's lives through his work, understanding diversity, feelings, and personal spaces.

You spend a lot of time commuting to your locations. What continues to drive you as an artist, and, pun intended, to these far out locations?

When I was going to college and working part time I spent around 4/5 hours per day on the TTC system. It was either sleep or use that time to create. So I started to photograph in subway stations, trains, and buses. knowing that I did not want to lose any second drove me as an artist. 

What is the most beautiful “Horizon” you’ve captured so far? 

I had the opportunity to shoot the last eclipse in November of last year. I captured the Toronto cityscape blended with the eclipse in its totality. It was a cold morning, I stayed 3 hours outside creating an eclipse series. 

Do you have any advice for someone beginning their photography journey or career?
Sometimes they are going to feel that their photographs are not good enough, I have been there. This feeling is absolutely normal. My advice, keep shooting, everyday. Someone once said: "the first 10000 photos of a photographer are the worst". If you go through your pictures over time, you will find a pattern of improvement. One more thing, photograph even the silliest thing, you might get the best pic of your life.

Do you have a favourite location where you draw your inspiration from?
To be honest, the whole city inspires me. Old town, St. Lawrence market, and Financial District would be my favourite locations. I always return with my camera full of bangers from those locations.

Devin Yuwono

Devin Yuwono is a self-taught photographer based in Toronto, who always has the drive to create visually compelling images. Devin specializes in uniquely displaying the natural landscape and photographing harder-to-reach locations, capturing the spirit of adventure.  

What inspires you to create? 

I would say that seeing something that somewhat just triggered my emotions inspires me. Basically, I love creating which in my case would be taking photographs that evoke an urge of emotion to get out of my comfort zone and see the world from a new perspective. Being able to prove myself that my art reflects who I am as a person, the emotions I'm feeling while taking those photographs inspire me to keep creating.

What is the most beautiful “Horizon” you’ve captured so far? 

I would say the most beautiful "Horizon" I've captured so far would be either Mount Bromo or Hazdistazí, 'spiral rock arches'

Your work is very vibrant and saturated. How do you find colour is an asset in your images?

I try to categorize my style of shooting depending on landscapes or portraits, with landscapes I've always loved how the actual colours I see during the moment would be reflected as close as possible after I photograph them. Colour definitely inspires me in seeing how it's something we get to see every day and basically have some sort of control in photography and making something beautiful with just that.

How do you find these “hard to reach locations”?

 These so-called "hard to reach locations" is a term I would usually use for places where I had to travel to, hike, and going through somewhat not an easy route to take on, for example like the "Mount Bromo" I had to scout there from sunrise which before that I needed to hike to a certain spot to be able to reach that same level of composition to what I got in my shot, "Denali National Park and Preserve" was taken in a small aircraft flying through the rugged peaks of the Alaska Range, and "Head in the clouds" with making sure the right timing and composition yet reaching to a non-public area.

Do you experience creative blocks? If so, how do you overcome it?

I do experience creative blocks for my own photography artworks, since working in the wedding industry at the same time, it definitely takes away the creativity juice when wanting to create my own work out of the industry, and I personally find going outside, taking a stroll, and having the mindset that it doesn't matter how well everyone else is doing because you are being you and you are doing your best, knowing that things will happen, when it's supposed to.

Ryan Bolton

Ryan Bolton is an award-winning, Toronto-based photographer who aims to make his mom proud. Forever chasing a good story, Bolton's work has taken him around the world working with renowned clients like Apple, Red Bull, Spotify, Gucci, Lexus, Universal Music, Chevrolet, Columbia Sportswear, and as a photographer for the JUNO Awards. 

Out of all the continents, countries, and cities you have visited, what has been your favourite to capture?

I'd have to say Morocco. There's nowhere else like it. It feels like it's stuck in time with the sights, sounds, and smells of days long past. Walking through the souks markets in Marrakech is unlike anything else. But the best part was I travelled with a nomadic Berber family on their ancient migration paths through the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It was just a small group of travellers, the Berber family, and all their sheep, goats, and four camels. We slept in caves that have been there for hundreds of years and didn't see another soul for a week. We got some of the clearest nights with the sky lit up with infinite stars. I can't wait to get back.

You said your goal is to make your mom proud. Has your mom been an inspiration in creating your work? 

Awww. My mom definitely set me up for success from a young age. From first learning how to hold a camera with her Canon AE-1, which I still have, to watching my mom run her own business as a Veterinarian in a small town in a mainly male-dominated industry. My mom also offered me the opportunity to take risks, to try new things, and always encouraged independent thinking and pursuits. That was invaluable. As a parent myself now, I'm trying to do the same. To guide my children gently, let them explore the world, and find what truly interests them. 

How has working with renowned clients such as Gucci, Lexus and Redbull influenced your work?

Honestly, I love working with big, well-known brands, but it's not why I do it. It still has to be the right "fit." I like brands that are clearly defined, but still like to take risks, try new things, you know, get creative with their brand and who they work with to represent their brand. Red Bull, for instance, is all about that. Constantly trying new, unprecedented feats, and constantly chasing new dreams and frontiers, all while having fun and pumping out jaw-dropping content. That's what it's all about. I get energized by brands like this.

What is the most beautiful “Horizon” you’ve captured so far? 

Probably the Great Pyramids of Giza in the early morning. Or down on the southern coast of Sri Lanka at sunset. The world is truly beautiful. 

What does your artistic process look like? Do you scout your locations before shooting or is it a spontaneous moment?

Definitely half and half. A big part of photography is in preparation. What are the conditions? What lenses and gear will I need? What's the light going to be? And then once prepared, the fun stuff happens. On the other side of the coin, photography is also about experimentation for me. Once prepared, then you can start to experiment, try out new angles, and unique camera tricks, play with the lighting, try out different focal lengths, etc. It's somewhere in the middle of the preparation and the experimentation that the magic happens.

Sundus Siddique 

Sundus is originally from Houston TX and is a self-taught photographer with over 15 years of experience. Moving to Ontario in 2017, inspired her to pick a camera and start her photography journey again. 

What is the most beautiful “Horizon” you’ve captured so far?

I feel like the most favourite captures of mine would have to be my Autumn pieces. But if I must narrow it down to one specific Horizon, it would be “A Floral Moment’’. It reminds me of the freshness of those alluring, fleeting moments of falling in love.. the intoxicant essence of magnolias symbolizing true, passionate love.. charming lamp post reminds me of hope wrapped in the midst of floral ethereal dreams. There is just something magical about the framing in this piece, the focus being the lamppost wrapped in poetic chaos and desires, watching as its aspiration shines through. 

How does poetry influence your photographic work?

Poetry is one of the most beautiful forms of expression there can be. I feel like poetry is best how I describe the vibes and emotions of a picture or video since they are both abstractions of reality. Poetry is highly connected to my initial aesthetic and visual storytelling. My captures are like poems to me, each very dear to my heart and soul each moment has so much meaning and richness behind it which I translate into poetry. I love to incorporate poetry throughout all of my work, it gives me the ability to manifest my true self. Including, my feelings and how others can connect and relate to my work as well. I feel like it’s a privilege, a gift to put our art out there in our vulnerable world and for someone to appreciate and connect to it is honestly the best feeling ever.

How has your photography evolved over the years?

My photography journey has evolved several times over the past years, there is still so much I wish to learn, and I know I will get to all of it at the proper time. I started off taking pictures for my high school yearbook and journalism after that, I went into event and portraiture photography in Houston. Being an extreme workaholic for several years put a toll on my life and my creativity, it all became highly difficult to balance. I even put my camera away for a decent amount of time. While I was settling into my new life here in Ontario, Canada back in 2017, I committed never to put my camera back down. My passion for photography and videography has grown so much, particularly over the last few years. Life can be challenging at times, and we also grow and change as an individual. I take those life lessons and express them through my art, I feel like it adds more depth, meaning and love to my work. I would like to thank the Toronto photography community for really inspiring me to never stop creating. I have organized 5 successful photo walks in this amazing city, and I can honestly say we have learned so much from each other. They have helped me evolve my work and challenge myself to become better. Furthermore, I believe that true authenticity and consistency are key, the rest of the possibilities are endless.

What about autumn inspires you the most?

The most exquisite season, the vibrant energy, the magnificent colours there is magic in the air every day of Autumn. My soul patiently waits every year for Autumn to arrive for us to fall in love again. Autumn is truly healing it spreads so much beauty and positivity in the world. Especially moving from Texas, has opened my eyes to embracing all four seasons in Canada. It is honestly one of the most beautiful experiences of living, to witness the trees change colours, and watch the sunlight dancing on the colourful leaves moving with the wind. Beautifully, each leaf delicately transforms into a flower petal. My favourite time to take pictures in Fall is in the rain, oh I completely get absorbed and lost in the moment, the immaculate, pristine shades of nature. The raindrops falling on the leaves slowed down time for a moment or two. I love to visit a small forest near my place, I call it My Enchanted Forest, I discovered it about 4 years ago. I spend a lot of my time in Fall over there, I absorb every moment and meditate over there. My forest has taught me the majestic beauty of change, reminds me of how short life really is, and how important the presence of time is, between the past and tomorrow. What we have is ‘now’, I can deeply relate to change and growth from the season itself. I wish to leave something meaningful behind in this world, as gracefully as Autumn has taught me. I feel like Autumn brings out the best of us, and unity with nature felt especially vividly, awakens our inner voice. My favourite poet John Keats was very much in love with Autumn. He is one of my oldest inspirations for the season, he has written some of the most extraordinary poems about Autumn. His deep words of expression have also influenced me to seize the fulfilling beauty of Autumn.

Why do you recognize yourself as a Vibe Creator?

The meaning behind being a vibe creator is like an emotional-atmospheric sense. When I create a vision in my artistic mind of how I would like to compose a picture or capture a moment. I start with the feeling of that moment, how the energy would feel, and what the weather and nature elements would be like. I imagine the vivid colours, embracing that moment with every detail. It is so amazing to actually feel, how much colours around us influence us and affect us in our everyday life. The energy of emotions, moods and colours that articulate together is my euphoria. I want my artwork to be therapeutic and radiate positive energy. There is a whole universe inside of us, your imagination is your kingdom it all starts with a thought, and our thoughts shape our reality.

Eight photographers with a great visionary talent for our Horizons exhibit which is being featured at Twist until January 27th. See all the great work before it ends only at Twist!

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