GETTING TO KNOW:
LUCY SHORTMAN
Hi Lucy!
Congratulations on being selected as the winner
for the Cluster Residency 2021
HOW DID I PLEASE MY PAST SELF | Common Era | 2020
How would you introduce yourself
to the Cluster readers?
Hi, I’m Lucy, a 22 year old photographer and artist living in Birmingham. I am the winner of the Photography & Print Artist-In-Residence programme which I still can’t quite believe. I studied Photography at Arts University Bournemouth and I have been developing my practice since my final year of study. I mainly work within
the photographic medium but I am also very involved
with text and language.
How did you get here on your creative journey?
I started studying in 2016, graduated in 2019
and I’ve been actively making photographs ever since.
I had lots of time during the lockdown and summer of 2020
to really get into experimenting with ideas and figuring out
my artistic purpose. There was a lot of self-reflection
which I think was mirrored in the work that I made at the time.
That’s when things really started to align and fall into place.
But to pinpoint the moment of my first creative realisation,
I would say it was after I went to Paris Photo in late 2018.
It was then that I really stood back and thought this is something
I really want to take seriously and pursue in the future.
NO SOCKS IS A RISKY GAME | Re- | 2019
A BLOCK OF TEXTURE | Re- | 2019
What drew you to photography?
To me, photography is self-expression, and a window to universally communicate my experiences and ideas to others in an emotional
and visceral way. Photography speaks in ways that I cannot.
It's energetic and cathartic at the same time. I can create
my own vocabulary and use it as the glue holding everything together.
I love making photographs and seeing how people react to them.
It feels like I have no choice and I am very drawn to it, but I like that.
LOVE ME | Common Era | 2020
Tell us about the work you submitted…
I submitted photographs from both my graduate project, Re- and my most recent project, Common Era. I wanted to show the development of my work since 2019
while also giving a full overview into the range of my practice.
Re- explored cropped textures and intimate portraits while Common Era
looked at the blend between art and life. In my next project,
I would like to combine the aesthetic and energy of both of them
so I thought it was necessary to submit the two bodies of work for the jury.
How would you describe
your creative style and way of working?
I experiment a lot with visual language and the progression of creating the photograph, exploring both its complexity and simplicity.
From the beginning, I have been interested in the performative relationship between the artist, camera, and figure(s).
The process engages the action and thought of both the photographer and subject and I enjoy this connection when I’m working.
Not just through the natural interaction but also the staged aesthetic
I go for and physical posing being performed in front of me.
I’ll then take these interests and utilise them with preconceived ideas
I have explored before shooting. I have lists and lists of ideas.
ALWAYS WEAR WHITE GLOVES | Re- | 2019
Keywords to define your imagery?
Beauty, nature, youth, and performance.
I DON’T WANT TO BE JUST ONE THING | Common Era | 2020
I’M YET TO BE FREE | Common Era | 2020
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My alarm. I am certainly not a morning person but I’m trying.
Since the first lockdown, I try to start the day off positively
and get up early and go on a long walk with a coffee.
Prepping for the residency is the main drive for me right now
but food and music are big ones too. I think what rules over everything
is life, hopefully, getting a little more normal. Knowing each day
is a step closer to making more work, spending time with my friends again, and travelling.
Social media and you: the good, the bad and the ugly.
Tell us all…
Social media is really powerful if used in the right way.
For me, it’s only Instagram that I really like to use.
Being a creative person, I enjoy the visual side of exploring feeds
and making my own content. I have an account for my personal life
and an account for my practice which helps me separate the two.
Also, connecting to other artists and creatives is a big plus.
It can be a crazy place though and I think it’s important to remember
it can never be 100% true to life. Much like how I go about
my photography. It’s a blended version of art and life
and as long as you keep that in mind and don’t compare narratives,
it can be a great place to express and share.
ART AS SEDUCTION | Re- | 2019
LIFE IN BLOOM, Common Era | 2020
Who are your idols?
Walter Pfeiffer, Rachel from Friends (no, seriously),
Alan Watts, and Cher.
LOVE THE TENSION LOVE YOU MORE | Re- | 2019
What’s on your creative calendar for the near future?
The residency mainly! I’ll be developing my new project
concept with the help of some great professionals within the industry.
I’m looking forward to gaining some more technical knowledge
and developing both my practice and myself as an artist.
I’ll be moving to London in the summer so I am counting down
the days as we speak.
Personal motto/mantra?
I have a few:
If it’s meant for you, it won’t pass you.
Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from.
Find the lesson and let it go.
I AM A PHOTOGRAPH | Common Era | 2019
YOU ARE NOT THE MAIN CHARACTER I | Common Era | 2020
Tips, tricks and secrets for making it in the art world?
Look for your true artistic interests and explore them as much as you can. Stay in the headspace of your own individuality and true purpose
for making work. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing the grip
on your authenticity and blending amongst the many other artists. Sometimes it’s the right place, right time.
However, you need to make sure you are prepared and ready
for when it happens for you. Network with creatives for both work
and play. We’re all part of a machine that’s constantly moving
and changing with many different roles and perspectives.
We can all help and learn from each other.
Don’t stop!
Works by Lucy are available through the Cluster Shop
Thank you for reading,
Valeria, Daniel & Cluster Team.
You can find Lucy Shortman on the Web:
Instagram & her website