Kesang.

Kesang, our next interviewee, is a 16 year old photographer from Canada. Her pictures strike the right chord with us. They're incredibly personal and emotional. She manages to capture things as they are. She has an unconventional aesthetic sense, which is why we wanted to know more about her art. Considering she's just starting out, her flickr photostream is a revelation. 






















































































Tell us a bit about yourself. 
My name is Kesang and I'm a student at an arts high school in grade 11 in Toronto, Ontario. 




When did you start photographing?  
Sometime in Junior High. I didn't take it seriously until last spring when I started experimenting with my mom's old film camera and even now I'm mostly just having fun. 




What got you interested? 
I would say fashion initially did. I've always been attracted to the glamour of it and the theatrical aspect of clothing and design. I don't shoot it myself, but I really admire fashion photography. 




What does your camera equipment consist of? And what film do you prefer using? 
I mainly use my Nikon EM film SLR. Since I started so recently, I haven't really built up a collection of equipment. I like using 400 asa film just because I take photos pretty candidly and often find myself in a variety of situations - both low and high light. 




Who are your photography idols? 
I love Man Ray. His photos are so dramatic and emotive with an interesting surreal aspect. I also really like William Eggleston. His photos have a great mood and the colours he chooses add to it in such a significant way. 




What music do you listen to?  
I listen to mostly newer music like Washed Out, Beach House, Phoenix, Neon Indian and Arcade Fire, but I also love Beck, Television and Talking Heads. 




What are your favorite artists/ authors?  
I'm much more of a traditional visual artist than a photographer so I really admire a lot of them. I like post impressionist/expressionist/nouveau art like Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Jan Toorop. 
I'm not an avid reader, but I'm a big fan of those gushy romantic period novels like Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre. A Fine Balance, The Kite Runner and Cats Cradle are also favourites. 




One odd thing you love.  
I've been told my love for the scent of laundry detergent is strange.  




What is the soundtrack to your life? 
I think Shocking Pinks self-titled album. I think it's easy to relate to because it has a nostalgic and tired feeling. 




One own favorite picture of yours, and why? 
This is a photo I took of one of my best friends, Derval. I really like it a lot because looking at it reminds me of that night and I can feel myself taking that particular photo over and over again.






 




What time of the day do you prefer shooting? 
I like shooting in the morning or evening, although I haven't often. 




Your favorite thing to shoot.  
I love shooting people - especially close friends. I have fun trying to capture an expression that I want everyone to see, because it's something I see in certain people all the time. 




Who/ what would you say is your biggest inspiration?  
One of my best friends, Tess is a big inspiration. Before I knew her I used to look at her photos, wishing that I had a life like hers. She's a really free, fun person who takes photos that totally capture an experience and she has an enviable following. 




What would you love to do with the rest of your life?
I'd love to become a self-supporting artist. To open a gallery and sell pieces would be a dream come true. 





How does your city affect your art?  
Toronto is a beautiful city, but it's very subtle. You can find little gems in the city that are really unexpected and sweet. 




If you could choose one place in the world to live, where would it be? 
There are hundreds of places I'd like to visit, but Toronto is where I'll stay.