[Photography] Interview with Jennifer Shneiderman

[KELP JOURNAL] Jennifer, the photos you submitted are magnificent. They all give this sense of awe. I was wondering if that was your intent when taking the photos and how you were able to capture that in each image?

[JENNIFER SHNEIDERMAN] I believe I do seek to convey my own sense of wonder and awe inspired by the natural world. Focusing on texture and mood, as well as a strong sense of scale, can evoke feelings of power, strength and resilience.

[KJ] Each image is awe-inspiring in a different way. Maybe one is the horizon that continues on forever, giving a sense of possibility. Another is full of lush green verdant landscapes that give a feeling of abundance. Can you tell us more about these photos? Were they taken over a long or short period? Are they from exotic fun locales or your local waterfall hike?

[JS] All of the photos were taken during my travels to Cape Cod and The Azores archipelago over the course of a year. My camera is my way of absorbing and processing experience, forcing me to slow down and take in the unique topography of my surroundings. I’m always searching for patterns, angles, and vistas that evoke strong emotion and my own sense of abundance and gratitude at being in the presence of such beauty.

[KJ] That feeling of awe that we get from art and in nature is important to our mental health as humans. Looking at each one of your photos a feeling of calm washes over me. I was wondering if awe, art or nature comes into play in your other life as a social worker?  

[JS] As the world becomes increasingly challenging, art and nature serve as useful therapeutic tools. Creating and viewing art both provide an outlet for emotion and a method for provoking insight and healing self-discovery. The therapeutic benefits of exposure to the natural world are well-documented, improving health outcomes and enhancing feelings of calm and well-being. Just remaining curious about art and nature can have a positive impact on mental health.

[KJ] You are also a writer as well as a visual artist. One of my favorite things is to ask multi-faceted creators about the intertwining of their media. I am always so curious if they believe that one form influences another. Does your writing, for example, show up in the way (or in what) you photograph?

[JS] There is a moodiness in many of my photos that is reflected in my writing. As in my photography and painting, I seek to portray the astonishing complexity, mystery, and flaws of the human condition in my prose and poetry.

[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 piece of writing and become a photo, or does it begin as writing and stay writing?

[JS] It’s definitely an organic process that is quite fluid. For example, what started out as a photography project in The Azores became a writing project. It’s fascinating to see how it evolves over time. In general, I experience art and writing as a calling. They come upon me; I feel an obsession to create and I really don’t feel I have a choice in the matter. It’s fascinating to see the end result.

Jennifer Shneiderman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, writer, and visual artist. Her writing has appeared in many publications, including: Yale University’s The Perch, UCLA’s Windward, and The Rubbertop Review, and is forthcoming in Kent State University’s The Listening Eye. Her visual art has been featured in Rock Salt Journal and Harpy Hybrid Review, and is forthcoming in Unleash Lit and God’s Cruel Joke.