When I first saw ‘Stellar’ I knew I had stumbled across a little bit of pixie dust. And dust it was (although mixed with confetti) as I later found out when I started to read about this series of mind-boggling animated GIFs. The artist behind it is called Ignacio Torres, a Texas-born photographer and filmmaker who set out to visualize the theory that ‘all humans are made of cosmic matter as a result of a star’s death’. For the production he used four different camera angles and a synched flash, GIF wizardry, dust and reflective confetti to create a world where models of celestial creation slightly move in clouds of dazzling stars.
His work is remarkable on a technical level as well as on an artistic one, as Torres manages to create a subtle atmosphere of calmness within his vibrant photographs that blends perfectly with their narrative quality. It hard to believe that it was only last year that he received his BFA in photography from the University of North Texas but things have been moving fast for him. Soon after graduating, Torres was awarded the Cora. E Stafford Scholarship for emerging photographers and moved to New York where he currently lives and work. In his recent projects he has continued to explore youth, identity and scientific theories but above all the pushing boundaries of traditional imagery.
So Ignacio, the eternal question – why photography?
My interest in photography all started when I was really young. It was something I thought was magical as a kid. I still think it’s magical.
But what were the steps involved after graduating from university to become a professional photographer?
It became a serious interest of mine when I decided to pursue photography instead of film. I didn’t know much about photography other than me wanting to create fashion imagery like the ones I admired in the magazines. The steps to becoming a professional photographer are different for every individual but to me it was focusing on making work that I, as well as others, would be excited about. From there it was getting the work out there for people to see.
Your ‘Stellar project’ is so beautiful that it pretty much speaks for itself but still, how did you come up with the idea?
Science was always a fascination of mine. When I was in college I took several courses on astronomy and that’s where I first learned about our stellar creation. I was looking through my sketchbook and the words ‘We are made of stars’ were written in one of the pages. I knew I wanted to do something with this idea and brainstormed for about a year. I watched documentaries on the subject and read articles to help me get inspired.
‘Stellar’ also created a real buzz in the art world and launched you into immediate recognition as a photographer, how does that feel?
It feels unreal, but the amount of support and feedback I get from fans of the work is inspiring.
Is there anything you find frustrating about being an artist?
Trying to reinvent yourself constantly can be quite frustrating. You don’t want to be known as a one- trick pony.
Speaking about tricks; when did you start to incorporate GIF into your images and how did you learn how to use it? Is it difficult?
I started to incorporate animation into my images about two years ago. I began making video work and making animated images felt like a natural transition between video and photography. I learned to make GIFs from my cousin back when I was in high school and I started out making really goofy GIFs by using stop motion. Finally, seeing the work of photographer Jaime Martinez made me see animated imagery in a whole new way.
What kind of equipment do you use when you are shooting? Is there anything that is unbearable?
I mostly work with analog cameras that were passed on to me. I do own several digital cameras but don’t use them as often. Nothing is too unbearable if it means getting the shot I want. I do not like working in the cold though.
Haha, so I guess you spend more time on the post production than on the actual photo shoot.
I usually spend most of the time on pre and post production. I like to be able to control every detail of the shoot to ensure the results I want are successful. They do not always work out my way but I have learned to be flexible and adapt.
Apart from photography, you also have a badass collection of video installations, what inspired you to start using that medium and how do you produce them?
Well, like I said before, I actually wanted to be a filmmaker before I fell in love with photography. Using video as another medium for my work was something I always wanted to do growing up. The process of making videos for me comes more organically than when I use photography. I generally have a basic idea of what I want and go from there.
I’m also a great fan of your series ‘Creature of the Night’, how did you come up with the idea?
For two years I used to live next to the cemetery in Denton, Texas, where the shoot took place. After a night of partying, a group of my friends and I were walking home through the foggy cemetery. I thought it would be great to have a photo shoot and minutes later ‘Creatures of the Night’ was the result. To shoot I used a ‘point and shoot’ 35mm camera that I carry with me at all times. For film I used Fuji Pro film as well as some black & white professional film. Carry a camera at all times!
That advice explains the feeling I got looking at your blog; that you never leave home without a camera. But, what triggers you to actually release the shutter?
Well, I do carry my camera with me every day but I don’t always take photos. It’s all in the details I think. I like photographing youth so when I see someone with an interesting look I make sure to document it. Last time when I was in Washington Square Park I saw a 10 year old skater with a Misfits crimson ghost patch on his back pack and that made me get off the bench and run to photograph him skating away.
And if it’s not a random person in the street, where do you normally find your models?
I usually use friends as models. If they are not my friends then I’ll make sure to become friends with them. It helps because they will be more relaxed during the shoot.
You live in New York nowadays – how does the city compare to Texas and at the end of the day, where is home?
I first moved to New York for an internship but soon after moved back to Texas. After the completion of ‘Stellar’ I decided that I should move back to NY and see what it had to offer. The city is a whole different world compared to Texas. The fast pace of the city can be difficult to keep up with but I’m doing quite well so far. Home is still in Texas but not for very long.
What are the best memories that you have?
The summers and vacations of my childhood that I would spend in Mexico are some of the best memories I have. Spending time in Mexico with my family was always a good time.
Ignacio, thank you so much!
