Capturing the past in a photo

Artist Alicia Bock uses childhood memories as inspiration

By Aynsley Karps
Published: June 10th, 2009 | 12:30pm

To artist Alicia Bock, photography and family go hand in hand. The Michigan-based photographer who grew up around cameras considers childhood memories the inspiration for her work. Bock exudes this nostalgic feel through dreamy subjects like trees and Parisian buildings, as well as vintage and textual techniques such as Viewfinder. The fine art and portrait photographer took some time to talk to us about her work, including her self-taught background, favorite collections, and why the smell of fertilizer inspires her creativity.

How did you originally get into photography?

I think this life is in my blood: my grandparents, my dad, my cousins. We are a sentimental group. I can't remember not having a camera, or not being in front of my dad's. It seems as natural to me as breathing. I started thinking about it as a career when my daughter was born.

Can you share any specific childhood memory that inspires you?

The two things that mostly influence my work are:
My grandpa had a big garden with a crab apple tree in the middle of it. I love everything about being there: the smell of the shed with his fertilizer, the seeds, and tools. Gardens are still one of my favorite places to be and to photograph. I do my best to make my family proud and grow most of the flowers I photograph in our little bit of land.
Second, I was born on (not literally, there was a hospital involved) the Lake Michigan shore, but moved to Florida and back when I was young. Both states are very different but surrounded by water and gorgeous beaches. Being close to the water is important to me, and it is my favorite place to photograph.

You’re completely self-taught. How did you go about learning the complexities of photography?

I think anyone can learn to use a camera by reading the manual and practicing. Technically, good photographs aren't the difficult part. Developing your eye to see the world in photographs is different and harder to explain. For me, it is about paying attention to details in photographs that I like, both my own and others I admire, and recognizing the elements that make it appealing. It is about color, light, and mood and trying to figure out how to capture them.

What types of cameras do you use and what effects do they create?

My digital camera is a Canon 5D. It is nice and sharp. I use it for portraits and some of my fine art work. My favorite camera is my Polaroid SX-70. It processes light so differently than a modern digital camera. It is temperamental and unpredictable. Also, it is instant. There is nothing better than coming home from a trip with a stack of Polaroids.

Do you have a favorite collection? What about a favorite photo?

It’s a toss up between my “Homecoming” and “Springtime in Paris” collections. Both are really personal to me. Paris is so fresh in my mind. When I look at the photographs, I am taken right back there. My favorite of Paris is “The Renault,” and my favorite of Homecoming is “Number 3.”

What message do you try to send through your artwork?

My strongest belief is that there is beauty all around us, especially in our everyday lives. Sometimes I think we rush too much and don't notice. I hope to help others see.
--
Check out Alicia Bock’s work at www.aliciabock.com, or her Etsy shop.