Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Koch.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
The progression of my photography has been the pursuit of discovering myself. I didn’t start life easy. I wasn’t anyone popular in grade school and I normally got picked on. But I was a book worm, a walking bank of colorful wisdom. I was me, trying to be accepted in a world I didn’t really fit in.
I had cool parents to back me up too. My mom is a teacher and an immigrant from Mexico, and my dad was a photographer, inventor and magician. I knew I had an interesting view of the world and I felt I had a different vision than most people did. I went through elementary and middle with few close friends, but I was a do-it-yourselfer with a passion to do good in the world.
Music drives my view of the world. Every day and every phase of the sun can be driven to a beat. I feel in tune with the pulse of the world when I take pictures, like the moment is speaking to me. It’s true. And sometimes it’s really hard to describe the feeling. It’s like that feeling when you see a beautiful sunset, but all the time.
When I pick up a camera, it feels like an extension of me. All those times where I see something for a split second and want to remember that exact moment forever, I feel I can do that now.
I get gut feelings to take my camera certain places. Even if it’s a trip to the local grocery store. There’s something special everywhere you go. I’m not talking about compositions, I’m talking about moments that aren’t driven my textbooks or talent. To me there’s a special feeling.
Maybe not fitting in has been the point all along. I like that. Forget being like everyone else, this is me. While I sucked at school, got bullied and all that jazz, my love and passion for my art brought together some of the coolest friends anyone could ask for and opportunities of a lifetime. I’m literally in love with life and all the trials and tribulations that come with it. That’s the spark for my love for photography.
Please tell us about your art.
My artwork is usually raw. I dislike posed photos. I like the essence of life itself. I feel there are too many photographers and not enough artists. I feel that many people are trying to convey ideas whereas I try to convey honest life experiences. When I share my work I don’t want people to just see what’s in the frame but the emotion of the person who took it. They represent moments in my head, or things I was looking at that made me appreciate life a little more. Like the days of our lives most of my photos are in the moment.
The source of that comes from my unique character. Everything I make comes from my soul. Someone told me that when I talk about why I do what I do that they saw the same glow come off of me that they saw come off of my pictures. I couldn’t have been happier because that is exactly what I want to convey in my art: That passion is a universal language, and even the simplest of photographs can carry emotion. If that daily life could be portrayed beautifully, then perhaps that would allow us to believe that our own day-to-day experiences are treasures worth living for.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
My advice would be to go to seminars and conventions. You’ll be in the room with artists from all walks whom are there to learn the same thing you are. Or, be your own artist community leader and start your own “artist meet-up session” and invite people you want to network with.
When you share from the heart, you will never be alone. Accept new friends, take criticism, take everything with a grain of salt and rise stronger. Take risks, make mistakes, go where others don’t dare to go. You can do anything for which you have unlimited enthusiasm.
I made my best friends and connections when I completely immersed myself in my art. Somehow it seems the world sets you up that way. Be passionate and ask questions. Be the model citizen of the world you live in and eventually people who think the same way will come to you.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Follow my Instagram! Instagram is the best way to see my work as well as my website. I’m expected to be in an upcoming gallery so when that’s set I’ll post it on social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stevenmkoch.com
- Email: steven@stevenmkoch.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/smkphotog
Image Credit:
Steven Koch
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
