Today we’d like to introduce you to Edie Angela Fuertes.
Edie Angela, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a Cuban American photographer born and raised in Miami Beach. Most of my practice is centered around the themes of ancestry, feminism, and transformation. I am inspired by artists like Ana Mendieta, who used her body as a medium and subject to convey something larger than herself; a universal mode of being. Mendieta photographed as a way of reclaiming her roots and becoming one with nature. The act of photographing is the pursuit of understanding my own identities, especially where they may intersect and become tangled in webs of complexity. The camera is my tool for transmission and invocation. It allows me to create an honest conversation with the different pieces of myself.
My mentor, Indigenous Artist and Smithsonian Research Fellow, Gina Adams, has been an integral piece in my journey as an artist. Gina is someone I deeply love and respect, who affirms my path and instills confidence in the work I am doing. In addition to supporting me, I have also had the opportunity to assist Gina in the creation of her own work. Although my final pieces are displayed as photographs, I incorporate a variety of mediums into my practice, like alternative photo processes, painting, and graphic design. My images have been exhibited worldwide at the Glasgow Gallery of Photography, VSCO Exhibitions, University of Colorado, McKeon Center for Creativity and more.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As someone who is in the beginning of their artistic career, the biggest struggle for me thus far has been learning to trust. The path is not simple as an artist because there isn’t a specific roadmap or set of stepping stones to follow, as you might find in other careers. It can sometimes feel like you’re walking in the dark — unsure where you’re headed but knowing you must continue to step one foot in front of the next. It’s this journey into the unknown that I value as an artist.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
In addition to my career as a fine artist, I founded EDyN Photo – a visual company that offers photography, digital marketing, and content creation. My partner, Neil Sullivan, and I created EDyN as a way to provide an all-encompassing service to artists, musicians, and small business owners. In today’s digital world, many independent artists and brands must self-promote in order to expand their audience and become successful in their field. With our diverse skillset, we are able to offer packaged services that include photo sessions, digital content, graphic design, website development, strategic marketing, and more.
For me, EDyN is an experiment of combining my many passions and talents in a centralized location. I am constantly seeking new skills and keeping up with the fast-changing pace of the digital world. I incorporate a variety of mediums into my work, such as alternative photographic processes (cyanotypes, van dyke brown, and more), analog gear (8mm, 120mm, and 35mm), and multimedia (collaging, drawing and painting). As a company, I am most proud of how we emphasize a collaborative approach with our clients in bringing their unique visions to life. We make it a point to continually touch base along the way, in order to ensure that their ideas are translated accurately in the final products we create. The packages we offer are tailored to the individual needs of each client and can be as interdisciplinary or straight-forward as they’d like.
What were you like growing up?
My family is filled with visual artists and plant-lovers. As a child, art was accessible to me through my dad and grandfather who are both painters. Growing up in Miami, I have fond memories taking the boat to different islands, collecting sea urchins and crabs under the dock, and dancing to salsa music with my family. One trait from childhood that still remains with me today is my unwavering curiosity. I’m not afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and try new things, and I think that has served me well thus far and will continue to on my path as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: edieangela.com
- Email: edie.angela@gmail.com
- Other: https://www.tulsacc.edu/about-us/news-and-events/events/home-all-alone-exploration-self-portraiture-edie-angela-fuertes
Image Credit:
All images photographed by Edie Angela Fuertes
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