Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx with Alicia Bock

I have long been a fan of Alicia Bock’s photographic work and I was so pleased when Alicia agreed to be interviewed for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx.

Alicia’s a completely self-taught photographer with an extraordinary eye. I have totally fallen in love with the ethereal daguerreotype-esque beauty of her Viewfinder Collections. They remind me of my time working in a museum/archives and opening boxes of daguerreotypes and glass slides to catalogue…sometimes I just got lost for hours. Alicia also likes to play with light and dark and color and vibrancy. Working exclusively digitally now, she plans on working with film in the future and I just can’t wait to see what she creates.

Here’s Alicia in her own words.

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

Alicia Bock Photography. I sell fine art photographs, which are all available as greeting cards and as canvas giclees.

2. When did you get started with your business and why did you decide to open your own indie biz?

I started selling my photographs in 2004, after a renewed interest in photography after my daughter was born. After taking way too many baby pictures I moved onto other subjects, and haven’t stopped since. I started with a few art shows after being encouraged by my family.

3. What’s the creative process like for you?

It is pretty random. I try to have a camera with me most of the time, so I am ready if something catches my eye. Rarely do I plan a photo session. I like to just see what I run across during the day. That said, there are so many things I would like to photograph and so many different techniques. The endless possibility, and thought that the next great photograph could be just around the corner really keeps my mind happy.

4. What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?

My “Bow” photograph in the “People Magazine-Style Edition” last fall. It was my first time seeing my work published in a major magazine.

5. Tell us one funny/goofy/silly thing about yourself.

See papier-mâché pigs (a few questions below)

6. What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?

The best and worst thing are both the same, working from home with two small kids (2 & 4 years). I feel so lucky to be able to spend my days with them,but at the same time there are days when it is nearly impossible to accomplish any work.

7. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at? List as many as you want.

Magazines: Domino, Blueprint and usually a random photography magazine that catches my eye.

Blogs: Decor8, Beachbungalow8, Oh Joy, Dooce, True Nature, Rare Bird Finds, and many more. I love a good blog!

8. Were you an artsy craftsy kid? If so, what kinds of things did you do?

Yes, I would say we were pretty crafty kids. I always had a camera, and took a lot of art classes even though I am not very talented in any forms of art. One year I made my my family pink, papier-mâch pigs with little black top-hats for Christmas gifts. They looked just as bad as they sound.

9. If a genie came along and granted you one wish, what would it be?

To move to Portland, Oregon.

10. What does indie mean to you? You can give a literal definition, choose to be a little esoteric or a combination of both. 😉

To me Indie is being just a girl with a dream, and turning it into a successful business here I have total control over my work.

11. What are you reading, watching and listening to?

Reading: “The Secret Garden”. My daughter and I read a chapter each night.
Watching: Alton Brown (Good Eats) on the food network. We are a family obsessed.
Listening to: The Stevie Nicks “Crystal Visions” c.d. my husband got me for Christmas.

12. What are your inspirations?

Seeing the world new through my children’s eyes, and browsing Flickr. I am always amazed by the talent on Flickr.

13. What’s new? Any new plans or products that you want to share?

Film…I hope to start shooting film again within the next few months. Digital is great. But, I am ready for a new challenge. Probably more black and white too. It just seems to go along with film to me.