Features
Featured New Artist: Justin Maxon
Currently finishing his degree in Photojournalism at San Francisco State University, Justin Maxon is already creating powerful documentary images. From an early age Justin has wanted to be a photographer. So far back as 3rd grade “…my teacher had us write down what exactly we wanted to be when we “grew up,” and I clearly stated I wanted to be photographer. However, it took me until my early 20’s to discover my real passion for it. What actually drew me to the process of photography was the potential it holds in making the globe a more honest and just place. I came to a place where I could no longer sit and complain how unjust this world and the people living in it can be. I had to do something, and I found photography to be tangible means to serving that cause. Photography, for me, represents a daunting force against injustice.”
When asked to explain what he does and how he works through his projects, his response goes deep into his personal internal process, “I consider myself a photographer who is devoted to working on long-term documentary projects that have personal meaning to me, and that most often relate to issues of poverty and social injustice. I deeply invest my own thoughts and emotions in to my projects, where I feel so intensely connected to the people in my stories that I often don’t sleep well when I’m involved in a project. I tend to be like an open wound while I’m working and the people in my stories affect my own life profoundly. Intentionally, my own internal reaction drives how I approach my stories, in that I try to use my own emotions to illustrate the feeling of the story. In as much as this can be an unhealthy process to work in, it allows me to work from a place of deep compassion, which in turn allows me greater access into the lives of people I’m working with.”
The images included in the slide show come from a story looking at the relationship between a Buddhist homeless woman, Mui and her son Phu. Justin’s comments on the images “The series is a glance at how even individuals living with little can find genuine happiness in the simple affection for each other. In my time with them I was touched by their connection and the intimacy of care that held their lives together. I wanted my images to reflect that care and mirror by own internalized reaction to their relationship. Often the modern connotations that we as a society hold with poverty and homelessness is desperation and lacking, but with Mui and Pha, they relationship clearly redefines this model of thought and shows that people with few possessions can find joy in the simple aspects of their lives.
Web: www.justinmaxon.com
Justin Maxon is this week’s Featured New Artist from our friends at Aurora Photos. Aurora’s staff regularly seeks out new, up and coming photographers to highlight on abouttheimage.com. We hope our readers will enjoy learning about these young pro-photographers and seeing examples of their outstanding work. Photographers who would like to be considered for publication as a Featured New Artist can submit their resume and portfolio by email to fna [at] abouttheimage.com.
Posted in: Featured New Artists, Features, Photographers
