Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcel J.
Marcel, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Long story short. 5 Years ago I was on emergency mode boarding a plane, leaving my home country Venezuela heading to England. After living in England for about a year, I ended up in Florida almost by accident. At first, I landed in West Palm Beach, a place that a close friend recommended as a great city to start in South Florida, at the time I was warned to avoid the Miami area for being a crazy place to live in. While living in West Palm I had to start from zero, making new friends, a new career, basically a whole new life, so for nearly 4 years and almost dying of boredom, (the city is great, but I needed something else) I decided to go crazy and move down to Miami Beach. A city that today I would say became my outdoor photo studio.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m a Photographer and Filmmaker based in Miami Beach.
Since I’ve always been intrigued and captivated by women, in the way that I became a serious (not serial though xD) appreciator. Don’t get me wrong but I have to admit that sometimes (mostly when doing photoshoots) I look at my models as living pieces of art.
The first time I got really involved with photography was shortly after arriving in West Palm Beach where I got some gigs assisting local and renowned photographers in Boca Raton. So, after learning the basics of photography, I decided to mix it with my intrigue, passion, and love for women.
I consider myself as a creator that likes to communicate emotions through visual arts.
How is your process?
Well, my creative process can take place everywhere, at any time. Sometimes walking down the street, sometimes on my dreams, even when taking a shower. I tent to blank my mind when alone then is when everything comes together, new ideas, new ways to express, finally I’m always taking notes of weird stuff that I like then I mix it up, and sometimes I get good stuff.
Why do you do / make / create?
I love to express myself, but I think words are overrated these days, so I choose to express through images. Look if you go down there telling people “Hey I believe that woman is the most beautiful” or “That place is surreal” you are just being one more from the crowd. But instead, if you take a different approach and go with that woman to that place, put the colors and pull the angles then with just one picture you are saying something in a more interesting way without using a single word, plus people will know that you are not just one more from the crowd.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Essentially my inspiration comes from women, as I said they intrigue me, plus nowadays the city of Miami Beach inspires me a lot. Everyday when walking these streets, I can’t avoid thinking about all the stories that haven’t been told, all the people that have walked here before us, the architecture, the lifestyle…
Tell us a little about your artwork.
Given that I’ve been doing photography for not too long, I consider my artwork still on baby steps. I try to make it look as organic as possible, I don’t like to retouch too much, but I do love to play with color-grading. I’d love to be featured in a gallery soon though.
What are the takeaways from your work?
Sometimes what you see is not just what it seems to be. Take your time and contemplate then you will realize the actual meaning or even the actual message I’m sending with my work. I’ve been criticized many times because the fact that my work always has the sexy element in it, some people can’t deal with it but is fine, when that happens is when you know you’re doing it well.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
Tricky question.
Well I believe on one hand life has become easier, on the other hand, has become harder not just for the artist but for everyone. In my opinion, everyone has the potential to be an artist what is limiting you is the environment in which you’re trying to grow and the people that surrounds you.
Technology these days is giving us the tools to make our life easier but if you’re not smart enough then the opposite happens.
Regarding cities, I don’t know maybe they should work better every day to create a safe environment for everyone and support local new artists through government-sponsored events.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Nowadays my work is on Instagram just there. I recently had some offers for publishing from independents magazines around LA and NYC I haven’t concreted any of those. I’m picky though, don’t want to put my work on whatever magazine just because.
The support I’m hoping to get from people these days is the buzz, the word to mouth recognition, the sharing my content everywhere. Just that, nothing fancy 🙂
Contact Info:
- Address: 1034 Lenox Avenue Miami Beach
- Website: www.facebook.com/marcelrsvp
- Phone: 561-3605096
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/marcelrsvp
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/marcelrsvp/
Image Credit:
Marcel J
Vanessa Martinez
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
