YUKO EDWARDS, PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEO ARTIST
Dec
3
YOU ARE A VIDEO ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER, DO YOU FEEL EQUALLY DRAWN TO BOTH MEDIUMS OR MORE INHERENTLY DRAWN TO ONE OVER THE OTHER?
I began as a video artist. I enjoy the process of shooting and editing material. Language and movement are important for me. What people choose to say and how they say it. I am able to see things develop in real time. My photography work became more important once I had my kids. It was then that I became more interested in stopping time.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON TODAY?
Oh, it is always a bit of everything and nothing. Small feats. I’m learning how to use my time wisely while juggling my family. Among other things, I have a short documentary film in the works about a Londoner who corresponds long distance with his brother in Australia. It is a love letter and a mixed tape about the highs and lows in our lives and our need to express them.
YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK AS EXPLORING “CONCEPTS OF SELF AND SOCIAL IDENTITY; NOTIONS OF SPACE AND PLACE.” THESE IDEAS ARE PARTICULARLY RESONANT IN YOUR HOMESTEAD SERIES. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THIS SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS AND YOUR IMPETUS FOR CREATING THEM?
The series of photographs juxtaposes contemporary color photos of historical homes in Saratoga Springs, NY with historical photos of my relatives. The work was inspired by my move from Brooklyn to this small upstate town. I like the series as it plays with people’s concepts of place and identity. To me they speak to questions of ownership and belonging. And, they’ve been a cure for homesickness.
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
Seeing an idea executed, collaboration. A glass of red wine. Having a laugh with someone. It can get lonely sometimes working by yourself.
COMB OR BRUSH?
Comb, a large comb, have you seen this head of hair?
DO YOU LIKE YOUR NAME?
Yes, I do. Yuko is Japanese. It can throw people off because I’m a black American girl, but it has served as an icebreaker to help me cross bridges and certain cultural divides. The story behind my name is also one of friendship. I’ve always embraced it.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: MY AGE IS…………….
starting to show.
starting to show.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?