Meet Caitlin Sellman

We were lucky to catch up with Caitlin Sellman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Caitlin, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

My creativity is fueled by not forcing myself to stay within the constraints of my original ideas. I am flexible when it comes to the evolution of an idea and I am constantly asking questions. A big part of my creative process is about being open to new ideas whether it deals with pushing the limits of photography as a medium or broadening my understanding of intangible topics. For example, my ongoing project titled: The Universal, began with my questioning of my identity through self-portraiture and still life, but has since turned into the exploration of a universal experience of how our identities are reflected in our stories and our outward appearances. I always aim to lead with an open mind and allow my projects to evolve when they feel too stagnant.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a Michigan-based photographer. I approach photography by allowing the observer to see the world in a reimagined way. Similarly to poetry and fiction, I utilize symbolic meaning in the props I use and I strive to immerse viewers into a world of moody imagery combined with narrative elements. I aim to spark conversations and explore lesser-known stories to influence people who might not have otherwise listened. Unique sets and dramatic lighting are incorporated into all of my pieces. I gain inspiration from various media portrayals of the human experience and I enjoy self-portraiture and strive to connect with people through my work.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Allow yourself to evolve: Do not allow yourself to get stuck in the habit of what is the most safe and/or comfortable. Allow yourself to learn, and become a sponge when it comes to all ideas because you never know what knowledge might become useful one day. It is important to let your ideas lead you to a higher level of understanding. Challenge your creative limits, it is the best way to ensure your art is exciting to yourself, and your audience.

2. Look everywhere for inspiration: Despite being a photographer, I am always collecting little ideas from everything. Whether it’s from a book, a concept album, or a movie, I gather the art I appreciate and strive to understand the work on a deeper level. I find that the media I consume tends to find its place in the work I produce, whether it’s conscious or subconscious. It helps me to write stream-of-consciousness to fully understand what I am drawn to about a certain piece of media.

3. The specific is universal: Even though gathering inspiration from various media is important, it is equally important for me to allow my personal experiences to be echoed in my work. One of my more recent projects is titled: Natural Despite Intrusion. The work was inspired by my experience growing up with major scoliosis and the aftermath of spinal realignment surgery. This project would have never been possible had I not allowed myself the space to reflect and bravely share my story. I found that by sharing my story, in critique spaces, within a photobook, or in a gallery showcase, my particular narrative became relatable and empowering for those with similar experiences.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the past year, I have grown more confident in my ability to be vulnerable. Vulnerability is incredibly powerful and I don’t think we give enough credit to the people who are willing to share their stories. It is difficult to know when someone will gently hold your truths in safe hands or if they will criticize your experiences when they are unfamiliar. Whatever a viewer does with your work is unknown until it is released. When I was creating the showcase for Natural Despite Intrusion, I was incredibly nervous about what others might think, if my story was too dark for my audience, or if it was too depressing. But it was my truth, and the work was how I felt. Thankfully, it was received with open arms. I have always been more reserved, but sharing this work has been a release I didn’t know I needed.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Caitlin Sellman

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move