We chat to LeftLion Photography Co-editor and this month’s cover artist, Dani Bacon about photography, juggling projects and Bjork...
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m a little arty to be honest. If there’s a creative workshop or class in Nottingham, then I’ve either done it or I will find it and I will do it. But aside from spending money on endless art lessons, I spend it on film rolls and more cameras than I could ever need.
I’ve been making photographs since forever, inspired by old 90s disposable cameras, polaroids, chunky medium formats and the classic metal 60s/70s Canons, Olympuses and Pentaxes etcetera. Photography is just another language of expression for me; it’s a beautiful way of navigating and capturing life.
Besides taking photos, I also co-own the Pigeon Loft Studio in Beeston, and I’m a writer.
What is the story behind the cover?
Well, I heard that our LeftLion were doing a feature on Hopkinson for this issue, so I dusted off my Sony, took a trip to one of my favourite vintage destinations ever, and did a little shoot. I’ve been a frequent visitor of Hopkinsons since I moved to Nottingham in 2013, and almost every time I go in, it looks even cooler. It wasn’t too difficult to get some interesting snaps this visit because there’s just so much to see. I’m just a little obsessed with their new mini bridge, ceiling décor and the zillions of ceramic ornaments. It’s as much a museum as it is a shop.
What inspires you as an artist?
This one is a hard one, because honestly, I am inspired by so much. It probably sounds pretentious, but filmmakers, photographers, painters, musicians, writers, printmakers, sunsets, magazines, weird dreams, movies, bad days, good days, and all sorts really.
Tell us about some things you’ve worked on in the past…
Well, there’s not enough paper here to list off my dillydallying. But I’ve worked on quite a few different creative projects including being a photography judge for Young Creative Awards and NTU Images of Research, assisting with photo festivals, shoots for businesses, magazines and newspapers, and more. I particularly enjoy street photography, and capturing arty portraits in my studio with fancy lighting.
I’ve been shooting for LeftLion for around four years now – as of this March issue, it’s my two year anniversary as photography editor!
Do you have any tricks for getting started and staying inspired as a creative?
I’d love to throw out something inspiring, but getting motivated isn’t my strong suit. But if you’re anything like ADHD me, it really helps to hang out with creative friends or keep a notebook to jot down ideas or make sketches. Try not to sit down, because then you’re doomed. Ultimately just be kind to yourself – I’m pretty sure most creatives have days (or weeks) of putting things off.
If you could sit down and chat with any artist in your field, who would it be and what would you talk about?
Bjork. She’s a visionary – always redefining how sound and image coexist. I’d love to find out where her ideas come from, talk to her about her music, the inspiration behind her videos, album covers, photoshoots and costumes and how she still remains so innovative, even since her Sugarcubes days in the 80s.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell the LeftLion readers?
Check out my experimental film photography Instagram page: @danijuliette_ (no pressure though, honest).
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