AN INTERVIEW WITH ISA SAVITRI

Isa Savitri won 1st Prize in our recent Colors competition with a cohesive and captivating street shot for which judge Shana Lopes praised her use of color “not only to enhance the composition, but also to infuse the photograph with a playful, light-hearted energy.”

Keen to know more about the image, and Isa’s work, background, photographic philosophy and aspirations more generally, we put some questions to her…

Isa, congratulations on winning our Colors competition! Please introduce yourself in a few words.

Hello! My artist name is Isa Savitri. It is combination of my nickname, Isa, and my spiritual name, Savitri, which means ray of light. I also liked the repetition of the syllable “sa”, and one meaning of “sa sa” is story. I thought the name was fitting for work in media using light and telling a story.

What did you make of the judges’ comments?

I was thrilled the judges captured the air of impending festivity. This moment announced the arrival of the holiday season in Puerto Rico. It anticipates the sound of traditional music and the taste the slow-roasted whole pork. I was literally laughing the moment I took the photo.

Your winning image is a perfect urban coincidence of color. Can you tell us a little bit more about the shot and the circumstances behind it?

I was having coffee and a cheese pastry at a Spanish-styled bakery shop in a busy area of the city. I walked out and this pick-up truck was driving by. When I saw the red fingernails, I smiled and ran for it.

How would you describe your photographic work more generally?

I generally don’t plan shots. I am moved by what makes one moment different from another, how one small thing changes everything. I also have some work based on found objects. My shots are basically spontaneous and natural.

There’s very little of your photography online. What first inspired you to get into photography, and what role does it play in your life? Where would you like it to lead?

As a high school student, I always had the camera dangling from my neck. I started using the darkroom back then too. (I miss losing track of time that way!) Then, technology changed. I also had a hard time carrying heavy cameras and equipment. I have undergone periods of inactivity because I feel I don’t have the right equipment for me, for the way I see. Truth be told, I have a legal career. Regretfully, I have not dedicated myself fully to photography. I have, however, sporadically participated in exhibits and have also had of my own. I would like to make more room for creative expression in my life.

Who are your biggest photography heroes or inspirations? Do you find inspiration outside the genre too?

In childhood, I always loved journalistic and nature magazines, but probably the first time my soul was stirred by artistic photography was seeing a Duane Michals’ exhibit. Later, I attended a class titled “Words and Pictures” at the International Center for Photography in New York through which provoked new thoughts about expression through images and words. I’ve also developed an interest in cinematography. I don’t think I have one single hero, but I am inspired by Susan Sontag, Joseph Cornell, Surrealism, Cartier-Bresson, Wes Anderson, Annie Liebowitz, Manuel Alvarez Bravo and Tina Modotti, among many others. I am also inspired by artist Carmen Herrera, who sold her first painting at age 89, and exhibited at the Whitney Museum at age 101.

Do you have a particular favourite shot of your own? Can you talk us through it?

My favorite work is titled “Metal Sky” inspired on a poem by Octavio Paz. It consists of a series of shots of coins found on the floor that I took over the span of approximately 20 years. Over 100 photos are printed on aluminium and are assembled as a ceiling installation. The viewer is invited to look up to objects (s)he usually looks down on, literally and metaphorically. It plays with the idea of money as a god and the social order that stems from that, using the image of the lowest value unit.

What has been your best photographic experience to date, and your worst?

As a resident of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, I felt we did not have much connection with other Caribbean islands. Despite the geographic vicinity, there is an abysmal deficit of direct transportation and communication between Spanish, French, Dutch and English colonies. Neighbors who are foreign to each other. So, I came up with a trip to the island of Guadeloupe, which is French, for the Fête des Cuisinières. It is an event for which the lady cooks of the island prepare and serve their best dishes for everyone. As an independent contributor for the Travel Section of El Nuevo Día, a Puerto Rico newspaper, I wrote an article that was published with my photos. It was a lovely and delicious experience.

Before our phones were totally smart, I always carried a small camera with me, which came in handy in unexpected ways. The worst experience I had was using this camera to document the scene of a car accident in which my car was hit by an unlicensed minor driving at excessive speed on a narrow rural road. As the kid’s father was dictating to the police officer what to write in the report to shift the responsibility for the accident to me, he threatened to smash the camera on my face. The officer said nothing and simply shrugged. In the end, the power of image paid off at a court hearing and the charges against me were dropped.

What, or where would be your dream photography subject?

One of my pending projects is a photo essay exploring more deeply people’s relation to money around the world.

What are your thoughts on the balance between technical skill and artistic vision in photography?

Expensive equipment does not mean much without vision, sensitivity and playfulness. Lacking in high-quality equipment, I have relied more on composition, concept and color. That said, I would really love to acquire sophisticated equipment that doesn’t break my neck.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d pass on to your younger self if you could? Or maybe one you frequently pass onto workshop participants?

Know yourself, be your own observer and position yourself in regards to the world, then learn the technology that helps you express and honor that.

And finally, what are your plans for the rest of 2024 and into next year?

Prior to being honored with this award, I had started organizing my digital files. For the rest of 2024, I am participating in more open calls. Thanks to this recognition from Life Framer, I am much more motivated to continue organizing my files and creating new projects. I aim to grow in this direction, so in 2025 I can participate in more exhibits, travel and take more new photos.