[Photography] Interview with Henry Vinicio Valerio Madriz
- David M. Olsen
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
[KELP JOURNAL] Henry, the reason I chose these photographs was because they showcased the stark contrast between the effects nature and humans make on the environment. But I am curious about what made you take them. What was your intention when capturing them?
[HENRY VINICIO VALERIO MADRIZ] As a Costa Rican (Costa Rica has protected more than 25% of its land), I have always been taught that nature should be preserved and respected by all means. We have a short existence to enjoy (the only purpose to live is to enjoy life), and we must remember that we share this planet with the rest of the living world… humans are not more (or less) important than the rest of the creatures. Therefore, my photographs are a reminder of that: an appreciation of our mother, yes!... The Earth is our mother, and it nourishes all its children and their unique ecosystems.
[KJ] The photograph with the crocs is titled “I Was Here”. As a photographer of nature, do you find a lot of people leave their mark on it? There is something relatable but sad about the marring of the natural beauty by humans. What do you think drives people to do this?
[HVVM] First of all, you have “a good or keen eye” for photography, indeed. That’s the point: the crocs are there, just a human presence; nonetheless, one can see them as something irresponsibly forgotten, left behind as trash (a contaminating impact), at a “superior” level (stepping on nature) or one can see them as something resting “together” with their surroundings, after enjoying nature. It’s our decision how we interact with our environment.
[KJ] Speaking of human impulses, I love that you titled the photograph with the side of the cliff “Beach Mammoth”. Now it’s all I see: a wooly mammoth on the beach. The human ability to see shapes or recognizable figures in chaos is so interesting. I was wondering if you have tried this technique with other series of photographs. Taking a picture of a plant or tree, or maybe even clouds?
[HVVM] I’m so relieved you can see the mammoth as well… Haha! All of us ask life or God (whatever you believe in) for details, but when we have them before our eyes, many times, we are not able to see those details or appreciate them. Life, this planet, everywhere you are at, has so many beautiful things to show… it’s just a pity we don’t take time to really watch them. Yes, I have used such a technique several times. I remember one day I spent around 20 minutes waiting for a shape I thought I saw to repeat itself, finally I got it! Its title is River Old Man (you can look at it on my Facebook profile, published by the Smithsonian Magazine -I hope you are able to see the old man), it’s the shape of a bearded old man made by the river’s water movement.
[KJ] I always love asking my multi-faceted creators some questions about the intertwining of their media. I am always so curious if they believe that one form influences another. Does your fiction or poetry, for example, show up in the way or what you photograph?
[HVVM] What an excellent question! You really made me think… I believe my work has the same essence: to observe this world and to react before it, questioning, wondering, as little children do; unfortunately, we lose that ability when we grow old. Of course, I try to have a moral or, at least, “to pinch” the observer or reader to reflect on it, to stop for a moment and really think of how things work or should work. I believe that when someone is observing my work, she or he retakes the photograph or rewrites my poem or narrative… her or his way. The observer/reader makes my work hers or his. And that is very satisfying.
[KJ] Another favorite question of mine is whether the form of a project is something you choose, or does it choose you? Does something, for instance, begin as a story and become a photo or does it begin as a story/poem and stay that way?
[HVVM] Art, in any of its forms or expressions, is a living being (that’s why art evolves in each epoch); as a result, an artist (in any genre) produces an item but also, she or he is taken by it. Sometimes I take a picture and the “thing” I’m trying to capture tells me “I think you got me wrong, try it again”; so I try to observe it, carefully, differently, different angles, to get a better understanding and perspective. Same thing happens while I’m writing… I get it right away (because it has been drilling my mind for hours, days or weeks) or it takes time, and even when “I’m finished” the poem or story tells me “I’m not finished” or “I can be better”. And then I’m in deep trouble! Because it is out of my control. All of them: photographs, poems, and short stories have their own personalities, and I must respect that fact.Most of the time, I know how they begin, but I’m not sure about how they will end… in case they have an end! And, yes, sometimes, a photograph can “provoke” a poem or short story, or a poem or narrative can “interfere” with the way I take a photograph. That definitely provides more benefits to my work.
I am deeply grateful to you for this wonderful opportunity to share my work and my thoughts about it. Thank you a lot for your time, interest and professionalism. I feel both excited and honored. May God always bless all of you in The Wave, Kelp Journal. To The Wave’s readers: I hope you enjoy my work and thanks for supporting this magnificent magazine and its collaborators.
Born in Atenas, Costa Rica, 1969, Henry Vinicio Valerio Madriz is a teacher -English Teaching and Linguistics and Literature. Photography lover. He has published poems, short stories, and photographs, both online and print (in the USA, Canada, UK, India, Philippines, Pakistan, Germany, Palestine, and Israel). Shortlisted in Voice of Peace: 1st Intercontinental Poetry And Short Story Anthology 2021, The League of Poets. He got an Honorable Mention in Dark Poets Prize II, 2024. He is the Winner of the Literary Cocktail Magazine Enticing Shutterbug Award 2024 for photography. Winner of The Lovequest, a competition of celebrating love! Poetry, The Worthsmith Magazine, Pakistan, 2025.