Interview Lidia Kowalewicz
With photography I am trying to create the space for contemplation, recognition, memory and feelings.
Name: Lidia Kowalewicz
Hometown: Łobez/ Poland
Style of photography: Documentary/Portrait
Type of camera(s): Mamiya RB67, Holga
Website:Flickr
What gives you inspiration?
People are my inspiration, because for me they are the most curious/extraordinary “objects” on Earth. Especially everyday people, who derive their special quality from the fact that they are themselves. I do not forced them to stand in front of camera, I do not tell them what they need to do or what kind of pose they need to gain etc. My approach is conversation, which let me feel “vibrations” if there is any, because my feelings make the best images. They let me open this creative side of me and see the world not through the camera, but trough my heart. Then I am trying to evoke their trust and just let the magic happen.
What are your influences?
Life around me…my family, friends, galleries, music, books, films, places. I think when we let us to contemplate the objects which trying to approach us every single day , we can find ideas on every corner or even in simple conversation with stranger on the street.
Why did you choose these photos?
Those photos are my last year project about Katowice in Poland, a city which is the centre of Polish mining industry. I like this social-documentary approach showing people with their stories, a hint of their lives maybe. Furthermore, it helps me to answer the question what is the place and meaning of the individual person in the contemporary Western civilization. Katowice is indeed a very unique place, which was once a booming and thriving industrial town but now many of its mines were closed leaving the miners without any perspectives for a better life and literally without any income.
I choose also an image with Japanese girl, because of contrast of tradition with modernity. It seems so ironic and powerful in the same time.
What does photography mean to you?
With photography I am trying to create the space for contemplation, recognition, memory and feelings. It is my way to understand the world and people.
Photos:
Copyright reserved by Lidia Kowalewicz
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