AROUND THE BLOK. VOL. 6 - HILARY KATHLEEN
Hilary Kathleen is a freelance analog 35mm film photographer currently based in the southwest where she resides with her six year old son. Themes found in her work includes connection with mother, feminine empowerment, youth empowerment, anthropogenic impact on the environment and exploration of emotion through variance in light and process of creative self-expression. Today, we are extremely excited to sit down with Hilary for Around The Blok!
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
I consider myself to be more of an artist as my main objective is to create and express but my primary form of expression is through 35mm film photos, mostly of my son, my friends and inspiring people and places I am lucky enough to have a loving moment with. I am profoundly a now person, nature is my sanctuary, I value relationships and genuine connection, I feel weighed down by material things, I dance/sing/write/soak on the daily, I am highly sensitive and emotional, I wake and meditate, tacos are my favorite food, pink and blue are my favorite color, I love my mama, I am social yet deeply introverted, I am excited to try new things and ok with being not so great at them, I am happiest road tripping without expectations or a set plan, my favorite thing in the world is cuddling with my son and watching him sleep, I get my jollies discussing topics of existential nature and I have a tattoo of a french bulldog on a surfboard riding a wave.
WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?
I take photos because I absolutely love it with my whole heart beyond what words can accurately describe and because it helps me feel a sense of purpose. Photo has helped me through the darkest of times as a healthy creative outlet and as a channel to process my emotions. It has given me a level of meaning and connection in life that goes beyond what I am capable of on my own. I started to really get into photo at a time in my life when I had slowly been depreciating in self-worth after years and years of trying to be something I wasn’t. I had been married for a while and was trying to be what my husband thought I should be and was severely depressed, completely numb, lifeless and a bit hopeless. I had had an interest in taking photos since high school and took a few classes in college but what I learned only frustrated me and didn’t seem useful for where I was at. Around that same time, a very critical and angry person in my life told me I would never be a photographer because I wasn’t brave enough, which crushed me and completely demolished any sense of confidence I had as a mere nineteen year old. It wasn’t until I was twenty-seven and my son was almost a year old that I mustered up the courage to give photography another shot. I realized I was losing out on an opportunity to document his childhood and to preserve memories if I didn’t get over my fears and insecurities, buck up and try again. Since the moment he was born I have looked at my son in awe of how incredibly beautiful and special he is above and beyond my capacity to imagine what he would be so taking photos of him is an experience of comfort and pure euphoric delight. Because we share a love that is so pure, the love of a child and for a child, It brings out the best in both of us and is a standard that I have learned so much about cultivating for myself and in my close relationships. Over the years I’ve used this standard as a goal with everything I photograph, and a direction for what I chose to photograph, and although it is infinite work it still feels better to get closer to that goal bit by bit. As a result of this work I have been lifted out of the fog of depression and now live with a more pure, euphoric delight for life and have done what I love most with who I love most to thank for it.
WHAT BENEFIT DOES ART PROVIDE TO SOCIETY?
I believe art to be the healthiest form of release and emotional processing as I have experienced it as such and have benefited greatly from art that has been shared by others as a source of encouragement, connection and inspiration. If I have personally experienced these positive aspects of art than I’m sure society is benefiting in this way as a whole as well. Before I practiced art as much as I do now I also experienced and can attest to the negative effects of pent up emotion that after long periods of suppressing would erupt in violent and chaotic frustration and anger after being triggered by the smallest thing. These eruptions would scare me as I felt I had no control at once I got into a tantrum and I didn’t know what I was capable of. I once smashed a swiffer to pieces yelling and screaming out of rage, pieces of plastic flying through the air like shrapnel, my then husband and son watched in disbelief and fear from the other room. I knew was out of hand at that point and that I needed to do something about this problem that was so obviously unhealthy and affecting those around me. When we practice art we provide a channel for these emotions to flow so they aren’t pent up. What we create with the flow of these emotions can guide our decisions and help us work on ourselves if we so choose. When art is shared I think it helps others relate to these emotions and process visually as well so even if you’re not an artist you can benefit. Obviously stated I think society functions better if it’s contributors aren’t throwing unpredictable fits of violent rage and feel connected to each other through compassion of understanding what it is to feel human.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO OTHERS CHASING THEIR DREAMS?
My advice to others chasing their dreams would be to listen to yourself. I have a hard time with the concept of advice because I truly believe that inspiration and guidance are meant to be found in whatever form is perfect for the person seeking, and that is for them to determine for themselves. There are infinite ways to get to where you want to go and based off of our genetic makeup, out history, our skills, our weaknesses, components that no one else will truly understand ever, it seems insane to expect everyone to get there the same way. Only you can know which way you need to go for yourself and only you will be held accountable for your choices at the end of the day. No one else cares about you getting there the way that you do, which gives you the freedom to do what you need to do. What I learned from the experience of being depressed for so long was that my depression was a direct result of my resistance to being who I really am, my resistance to make choices for myself and to grow from those experiences.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION AND WHY?
My biggest inspiration I’m stuck on, ack, there are so many things that inspire me and are ever changing but I suppose I could pinpoint healing is the total summation. I am inspired by what interests me and fascinates me, gets me out of my comfort zone, and the process of healing from trauma and unhealthy habits really gets me excited. Connection with nature, connection with each other, unconditional love, empowerment and creativity are contributing components to my work right now that flow positively.
WHEN YOU THINK OF HOME, WHAT COMES TO MIND?
When I think of home I think of the freedom to be myself exactly as I am. Comfort in a feeling of unconditional love and acceptance.
You can follow Hilary Kathleen on INSTAGRAM.
Around The Blok. Vol 1. - Daniel Primero
Phoenix is the 6th largest city in America (Population: 1,563,025), so there's no shortage of talent across the valley. However, Phoenix does tend to have small-town vibe at times. In our new segment "Around The Blok" our goal is to spotlight individuals making an impact on the city's ever-growing creative community. Today, we are thrilled to feature Phoenix-based Photographer, Daniel Primero.
PHOTO BY: Daniel Primero
Favorite Camera:
The Contax G2, people would argue that the autofocus is slow and inaccurate. Using the camera takes a bit of patience. The structure is exactly what I look for in a body, sturdy and simple. The camera partnered with its Carl Zeiss glass has been my go-to for a while now.
Favorite Lens:
The Canon 24-70 2.8. Versatile, fast, and sharp. I don't really care to shoot anything lower than 2.8 and it's really nice to be able to have that option of an ultra wide and portrait lens in one. If I were to have one lens for the rest of my life, the 24-70 would be the choice.
PHOTO BY: Daniel Primero
What is photography to you:
My Pops raised my siblings and I with a camera in his hand. So photography has a bit of a sentimental value to me and that’s how I got started. Other than that, photography is work and play. It’s what pays the bills, but also gives me some sort of solace.
Favorite aspect of Blok:
My favorite thing about Blok, besides the team that runs it, would have to be its versatility. I’ve had clients wanting natural light and strobe work in the same shoot. I’ve always been a big fan of natural light, and Blok has it. The early morning lighting the Van Buren studio offers has created some heavy contrasted and dramatic work. On the other hand, Blok has offered a great space for studio work. I’ve never had an issue with natural light leaking onto the subject when I’m working with strobes. The versatility of both Blok Studios is incredible.
PHOTO BY: Daniel Primero
If you weren't a photographer what would you be:
If I weren’t a photographer, I’d probably still be somewhere in the creative field. If not, then I’d be some sort of small shop owner. I’ve always been into quality goods. My dream has been to have a small shop. Not to make a killing, but to have a place where my friends and I could kick it and talk about our days. A place where the neighborhood kids would come by just to hang out. That kind of hometown hub that you’d see in cinema.
PHOTO BY: Daniel Primero
You can follow Daniel on Instagram HERE
We Are Brothers.
Caleb Alvarado is an architect turned commercial & editorial photographer/cinematographer based in Phoenix, AZ. His work constantly conjures human connection and creates new perspectives for the viewer. We were lucky enough to have front row seats to this masterpiece created at our Pierce location.
The artist statement can be found below.
'We are Brothers. You are my blood. We have fought and we have loved each other. I know we know we will never cease our love, there is nothing greater than the “love that allows us to share our name.”'
“We are Brothers”
featuring @slawek_wozniak @mwozniak1 @masterballetacademy
#Choreography: @slawek_wozniak @mwozniak1
Cinematographer & #Director: @CalebAlvarado
Shot at @blok_studio
Postproduction @CalebAlvarado
Music: Dead Island Theme composed by Giles Lamb
Special thanks to @jrrevolver @revolver_creative @chavezcarlos1 @raininggreenbug
Blok Studio Collaboration | Agency Arizona.
A collaborative video showcasing our locations and featuring models from The Agency Arizona.
Agency Arizona Talent Featured:
Kennedy Basham - @kenbasham1
Helene Hart - @helene_hart
Jaclyn Reid - @jaclyn.reid
Ellie Thumann - @elliethumann
Blok Studio Artistic Team
Director/Producer | Matt Martian: @matt.martian
Assistant Director | Justin Sission: @justin_sisson
Cinematographer/Editor | Anthony Swann: @swanndive
Stylist | Cheyna Carr: @cheynacarr
Hair & Makeup | Morgan Teresa @morganteresamakeup
LIVE, LEARN, LIGHT.
LIVE, LEARN, LIGHT. These words encompass Blok Studio's entire purpose for existing. We believe that promoting a healthy lifestyle allows a more effective creative process to ensue. At Blok Studio, we provide a platform to cultivate new ideas and collaborate with creatives through our many classes and workshops. Through continued support from our community, we are able add to a wide range of educational services to our programs. These programs provide a supportive setting to creatives from all different types of backgrounds and knowledge. We truly believe it takes a team to build something special. This ability sheds light on the many talented individuals that have helped to shape the new Downtown Phoenix area and beyond.